1.11 lakh tonnes of rice imported from India

The food ministry has said more than 1.11 lakh tonnes of rice, imported from India, has reached the country through various land ports including: Bhomra, Darshana, Benapole, Sona Masjid, Hili, Burimari, Banglabandha, and Sheola.

Some 56,391 tonnes of rice, under private import, have arrived in the country. Additionally, 55,129 tonnes more rice, procured under the open tender system, have reached the country. In total, 111,520 tonnes of rice have reached the country from India, the ministry said.

Since 3 December last year, the food ministry allowed 320 companies to import 1,014,500 tonnes of rice, in phases, to ensure a steady supply of rice on the local market.

The government allowed private rice imports, cutting the duty on rice imports to 25% from the existing 62.5% in December 2020, to keep soaring prices of the staple under control.

Under the Open Market Sale (OMS) started in Dhaka city on 1 February, the Directorate General of Food is selling 12 tonnes of rice – three tonnes per truck – every day, to help low-income people.

Additionally, under the OMS – meant to provide food grain to people at low prices – the government sells 1-1.5 tonnes of flour and one tonne of rice, daily, at 124 outlets in Dhaka city on an A, B and C-category basis.