DHAKA, Apr 17,2024 (BSS)-The government has asked the private sector to import 1,24,000 tonnes of rice immediately within a month aiming to further arrest of the rice price in the retail market across the country, an official order issued by the Ministry of Food said here today.

A total of 50 private sector rice importers have already got the government approval to import the amount of rice which includes 91,000 tonnes of boiled and another 33,000 tonnes of non-boiled Atap rice.

“We have  approved 50  private sector companies to import 1.24 lakh tones of boiled and non-boiled Atap rice aiming to keep stable of rice price in the retail market “,said M Habibur Rahman Hosaini, Additional Secretary (procurement and supply) of the Food Ministry.

The order has been issued on Tuesday to carry on immediately with a view to cover the gap of the upcoming Boro harvest which likely to require maximum one month, said the official.

The private importers must have marketing of these amounts of rice within May 15, according to the official order.
The importers must have to sell these amounts of rice in sacks directly in the market instead of re-packaging of these goods with the imported companies.

The public sector accumulated food storage stood till last Thursday at 12,20,994tonnes ---where some 8,86,967 tonnes rice, 3,33,197 tonnes wheat and the rest 797tonnes are paddy.