DHAKA: The government has completed preparation for importing 30,000 tonnes of `non-basmati’ boiled rice from India through international tender under a contingency plan.

Messrs Amsons International of India would supply the rice through Chittagong and Mongla seaports, official sources told banglanews.

A letter signed by the additional secretary of the Food and Disaster Management Ministry was sent to the cabinet division asking final approval of the purchase committee on August 30.
The committee has approved the rice purchase, several sources concerned confirmed banglanews.

The food department decided to import 30,000 tonnes of `non-basmati’ boiled rice to supplement the target of importing 7.5 lakh metric tonnes of wheat and 3 lakh metric tonnes of rice under the food budget 2010-11 package-5.

A total sum of Tk 1,43,25,300 would be spent for the purchase 30,000 tonnes of rice. The cost would be managed from the rice-purchase account for the current year.

BDST: 0920 HRS, SEPT 14, 2010