1.75 lakh tonnes rice to arrive in Jan, hopes for price reduction

Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumdar announced that 175,000 tonnes of rice will be officially imported into the country this January, which he thinks, would help reduce market prices.

Speaking to reporters at his office on Wednesday (January 8), Majumdar attributed rising rice prices to crop damage caused by flooding in various regions. "We have taken steps to import rice, including withdrawing customs duties for private imports, and are encouraging traders to bring in rice," he said.

He revealed that a tender for importing 2,50,000 tonnes of rice has already been finalised. Additionally, 1,00,000 tonnes will be sourced from Myanmar through a government-to-government (G-to-G) agreement, while discussions are underway to procure 50,000 tonnes from Pakistan.

Majumdar iterated that 1,75,000 tonnes of rice will arrive this month, which should alleviate price pressures in the market.

The food adviser further mentioned that the government has waived rice import duties, strengthened the Open Market Sales (OMS) programme, and is distributing 50,000 tonnes of rice monthly through the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB). Starting in March, the food-friendly programme will provide 30 kg of rice per month at a subsidised price of Tk 15 per kg to 50 lakh families.

In response to queries about anti-hoarding measures, Majumdar said Deputy Commissioners and UNOs have been instructed to enforce the anti-hoarding law, with Food Department officials also taking steps to prevent stockpiling.

Reflecting on the government's challenges since assuming office on August 5, Majumdar said, "We inherited a collapsed administrative system, police force, and health system. It has taken time to bring things back on track, but progress has been made."