Bangladesh imported 6,520.21 tonnes of rice from India through Bhomra Land Port in Satkhira over the past eight days that authorities hope would help stabilise the country's rice market.

The import began on November 13 after the withdrawal of customs duties on rice imports by the National Board of Revenue (NBR).

According to sources at the port authority, after the duty withdrawal, 12 companies approved by the Ministry of Food started importing through Bhomra.

Among the imports, Dhaka-based Old Paltan Majumdar Agrotech International imported around 1,861.47 tonnes of rice in four shipments. These included 770 tonnes on November 13, 368.5 tonnes on November 16, 380.97 tonnes on November 17, and 342 tonnes on November 18.

Mukul Enterprise from Kalai of Satkhira, imported 300 tonnes in three shipments: 100 tonnes each on November 13, 14, and 17. Ismail Hossain Milon from Jhikargacha of Jashore imported 100 tonnes on November 13, while Abul Monsur Khan from Bogura brought in a total of 500 tonnes across three dates: 150 tonnes on November 14 and 16, and 200 tonnes on November 18.

Abu Musa, general secretary of Bhomra Customs C&F Agents Association, said the Indian government had imposed a ban on rice exports to Bangladesh on July 20 last year.

Recently the country lifted the ban allowing export to Bangladesh, he said.

Abul Kalam Azad, deputy commissioner of Bhomra Land Customs Station, said 6,520.21 tonnes of rice was imported from India through the port in eight days from November 13.

If this trend continues, rice imports through this port will increase in the future, he said.