The fish markets in Agartala were badly affected for three days after suspension of border trade by Bramhanbaria Truck Owners and Lorry Workers Union of Bangladesh protesting alleged extortion bids by a section of ruling party cadres in Akhaura and Brahmanbaria regions.The wholesale fish markets and major retail outlets have been running almost dry as supply of fresh fish varieties of Bangladesh including Hilsa were absent. The scarcity of supply shot up the price exorbitantly and except for a few local fishes and imported fish varieties from Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal nothing was found in the markets.Early in the month, Bangladesh had reportedly exported silver brand export standard 2000 kg Hilsa fish to Tripura after a long gap of 10 years, but it was not available in the local markets. As a result, inferior quality small size Hilsa has been sold at the rate of Rs 1200-2000 per kilogram in the state during Sharad festival and Laxmipuja.
The local vendors alleged that Bangladesh had sent a small consignment of best quality Hilsa and it was not brought to the markets. The fishes were taken away by the otherwise influential section from the Check-post at minimum price. The importers had reportedly assured that the supply would be continued at least for one month but it did not happen.Meantime, truck owners and transport workers union of Bangladesh raised allegations of extortion against the cadres of the ruling party in that country and they had served a seven days notice seeking action against the accused Brahmanbaria district administration, alleged workers union leader Sakhawat Hussein Khokan.Hundreds of loaded trucks on both sides of the border have been stranded for three days in the border and the protesters warned to continue the blockade for an indefinite period until the administration takes action against the accused persons and ensures hassle-free trade in the border.