Rice Imported from India

A total of 13,528 metric tons of coarse rice has been imported from India through 145 shipments at the Benapole land port. Between 21 August and 18 November, 395 trucks were used to transport the rice to Bangladesh. After entering the port, the shipments were cleared from Shed 31.

To maintain the stability of the domestic rice market, the government permits traders to import rice through various ports. As part of this initiative, rice imports began from India through the Benapole land port on 21 August.

According to port sources, in August, 1,260 metric tons, in September 5,435 metric tons, in October 5,188 metric tons, and in November 1,645 metric tons of rice were imported from India to Bangladesh via Benapole.

Customs documents for clearing the imported rice have been submitted by five C&F agents at the Benapole port.

Bablu Rahman, a representative from C&F agent Messrs. Bhuiya Enterprise, said, “We have been working at the customs house since the beginning of the rice imports. After a four-month break, rice imports resumed from India through Benapole on 21 August. Most of the rice has already been cleared by us.”

Ziaur Rahman, General Secretary of the Benapole Importers and Exporters Association, stated, “Since rice imports began on 21 August, wholesale and retail market prices have slightly decreased. If imports continue like this, rice prices will drop further.”

Shyamol Kumar Nath, Assistant Officer at the Plant Quarantine Center of Benapole Port, confirmed that 13,528 metric tons of coarse rice had been imported from India through 145 shipments and 395 trucks. The clearance of these shipments has been handled promptly.

Khaborwala/SS