Bangladesh Sends 500kg of Gift Mangoes to Kolkata

The government of Bangladesh has dispatched a shipment of 500 kilograms of high-quality mangoes to West Bengal, India, as a goodwill gesture. Sent through the Bangladesh High Commission, the consignment crossed the border via the Benapole land port in Jashore on Tuesday evening. The seasonal delicacies were formally handed over to representatives at the mission in Kolkata for subsequent distribution.

This seasonal offering consists of Amrapali and Haribhanga, two of the most celebrated and flavourful mango varieties grown in Bangladesh. The entire batch was meticulously packed into 100 cardboard cartons, each weighing five kilograms, to preserve freshness during transit.

According to sources at Benapole port, a specific allocation of 100 kilograms has been designated for the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari. The remaining 400 kilograms will be distributed by the diplomatic mission among various dignitaries, including senior state officials, intellectuals, and eminent cultural figures across West Bengal.

Speaking to our representative, Mohammad Abu Talha, the Deputy Director of the Benapole Checkpost Plant Quarantine Centre, confirmed the official arrangements. He stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka authorised the delivery through an official directive. The correspondence instructs the Deputy High Commissioner in Kolkata to ensure the fruit reaches the intended prominent citizens and representatives of the state.

Officials at the quarantine centre noted that this gesture follows a long-standing tradition of cross-border seasonal gifting. Every summer, the finest yields from Bangladeshi orchards are shared with key figures in neighbouring India. This practice has established a unique diplomatic tradition. Widely recognised by international observers as “mango diplomacy,” the sharing of this prized fruit serves as a sweet testament to the shared cultural heritage, deep-rooted regional ties, and enduring camaraderie between the two neighbouring nations.