First batch of Indian rice arrives at Mongla

The first consignment of rice imported from India by the Bangladesh government in an attempt to stabilise the market of the prime staple has arrived at the Mongla.

The ship, carrying 4700 metric tons of rice, anchored at the Harbaiya outer anchorage in the port on August 9, our Bagerhat correspondent reports quoting authorities.

“The quality of rice is satisfactory. Unloading will begin tonight,” said assistant controller of Department of Food at Mongla Jahirul Islam Jahangir.

After unloading, the rice supply will be sent to south-western district in lighterage vessels, he said.

A total of 50,000 tonnes of rice will come through Chittagong and Mongla ports, he said, adding that the government already received 4,700 tonnes of rice out of 50,000 ton target.

Of the total rice, 60 percent of the rice will be anchored at Chittagong port, while the remaining will reach in Mongla port, said Jahangir.

Amid the soaring prices of rice, the government, on June 20 in the current year, decided to cut the duty on the staple food import by 18% to provide incentives to export.