After a 19-month pause, rice import from India has resumed through the Hili Land Port in Dinajpur, with importers expecting the move to help reduce rice prices in the local market.

On Monday (Nov 11) afternoon, trucks loaded with rice entered Bangladesh, with approximately 120 tonnes arriving in three trucks. 

The rice was imported by Ritwik Enterprise, a company based in West Bengal, India. Importers stated that the imported rice will be sold at prices ranging from Tk 48 to Tk 50 per kilogram.

Importers said, “Rising rice prices in Bangladesh prompted the government to withdraw import duties, allowing imports to begin again. India now have set open prices for rice exports, with this we hope imports will increase, which could help stabilize prices in the local market.”

According to Hili Land Port sources, 10-15 importers have so far received permits to import 30,000 to 32,000 tonnes of rice through this port. The last rice shipment through Hili was on March 30, 2023.

BDST: 1529 HRS, NOV 11, 2024
MSK/SMS