242 companies allowed to import 0.5m tonnes of rice

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FE Team | Published: August 11, 2025 23:47:10

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In a move to control rising rice prices and stabilise the market, the government has authorised 242 private companies to import a total of 500,000 tonnes of rice, including both parboiled and uncooked varieties, reports UNB.
A letter from the Ministry of Food was sent to the Commerce Ministry on Sunday, requesting permission in favour of the allocated companies, according to a press release.
Of the total volume, 461,000 tonnes will be parboiled rice and 39,000 tonnes uncooked rice. All imported rice must contain no more than 5 per cent broken grains.
As per the conditions, importers must ensure the entire allocated quantity is marketed within Bangladesh by 30 September. In addition, detailed information regarding the quantity, warehousing, and distribution must be submitted to the respective District Food Controller.
The letter also specifies that no Import Permit (IP) may be issued or used beyond the approved allocation.
Imported rice must be sold in original packaging -- repackaging under a different company name is prohibited.