Bangladesh: Rice import from India resumes at Benapole land port after 4 months

the port took place on April 15 this year. Importers said the government has taken the initiative to bring in coarse rice from India to stabilize local markets, which is expected to reduce rice prices across the country. Abdus Samad, owner of Haji Musa Karim & Sons, one of the importing companies, said: “We imported 315 tons of coarse rice in nine trucks from India yesterday (Thursday). The rice arrived at the port overnight and the bill of entry has been submitted to the customs house for clearance. Additional trucks are awaiting entry at Petrapole port.” He also said that the Ministry of Food had invited applications from traders for private rice imports to help tame the market. Applications were accepted from July 23 to August 7. Several Benapole-based importers received approval and many opened letters of credit to start importing rice on Thursday. As more letters of credit are processed, rice imports are expected to increase from Sunday. The imports are likely to reduce the ...