Khulna Bureau

Despite a steady inflow of rice from India, local market prices in Bangladesh have remained persistently high, causing concerns among middle-to-low income consumers, particularly in Khulna.

Over the past four months, from 13 November 2024 to 13 March 2025, approximately 1.43 lakh metric tonnes of rice have been imported through the Bhomra land port in Satkhira under the 2024-25 fiscal year, Food Ministry officials here said.

But the expected fall in market prices has not been seen, leaving consumers increasingly frustrated.

In an attempt to stabilise the market, the Food Ministry approved 90 importers to bring in duty-free rice under a special quota from India, according to the officials.

Despite these measures, there has been no tangible impact on local prices.

According to officials at Bhomra land port, the government has taken various initiatives, including international open tenders, to regulate prices and bolster food security.

Under Package 5 of the open tender for the 2024-25 fiscal year, the government approved the procurement of 50,000 metric tonnes of non-Basmati boiled rice at Tk 55.06 per kg, amounting to a total cost of Tk 275.30 crore, the officials mentioned.

The rice, imported from India’s Marsos Bagdia Brothers Pvt. Ltd., was purchased at $458.84 per tonne.

Despite these large-scale imports, the prices in the local smarket have remained unstable, raising concerns over potential market manipulation.

Unrelenting Price Surge

With the onset of Ramadan, rice prices have surged further, rising by Tk 4-5 per kg in the local markets.

This increase has placed an additional burden on low-income families, for whom rice is a staple dietary component.

Consumers have voiced their dissatisfaction, pointing out that repeated government interventions have failed to curb price hikes.

Daily wage earners and low-income households are struggling to afford rice, even though other essentials like vegetables remain within reach.

Anwar Hossain, a rice trader at Sultanpur Boro Bazar, observed that prices had increased across all varieties. “The price of 28-category rice, which was Tk 65 per kg before Ramadan, has now risen to Tk 70. Similarly, miniket rice has gone up from Tk 72 to Tk 76 per kg, while coarse rice, previously Tk 52 per kg, is now Tk 56. Even Basmati rice has increased from Tk 84 to Tk 88 per kg,” he said.

Imported Indian rice is available at Tk 58 per kg, yet it has failed to attract strong consumer demand.

“Despite continuous imports, market prices remain unaffected, and there is little hope of a reduction during Ramadan. But prices might drop once fresh rice supplies enter the market,” Anwar added.
Bhomra Port’s Role in Rice Imports

Bhomra land port has played a significant role in Bangladesh’s import-export trade due to its strategic proximity to Kolkata, which reduces transportation time and costs.

Abul Kalam Azad, Deputy Commissioner of Customs at Bhomra, said that the port’s well-connected transportation network enables swift distribution of imported goods across the country.

Md Ruhul Amin, Deputy Director (Traffic) of Bhomra Land Port, emphasised the efficiency of the port’s operations, stating that customs officials ensure quick clearance of rice-laden trucks to facilitate a smooth supply chain.

Will Prices Drop?

Despite the government’s persistent efforts to control the market, rice prices remain high, adding to the hardships of ordinary citizens, the officials said.

While policymakers continue to explore solutions, consumers remain sceptical, awaiting a potential decline in prices as new rice stocks enter the market.