Bangladesh To Import 50,000 Tons Of Rice From India To Keep Up With Demand Levels

Dhaka, Bangladesh (AHN) - The Bangladesh government on Sunday decided to import 50,000 tons of rice from India to maintain supply and to keep pace with the demand in the country, according to officials.

The decision was made at a meeting of the Council of Advisors' Committee on Public Purchase held in Dhaka with Finance and Planning Advisor Mirza Azizul Islam in the chair.

After the meeting, the finance advisor told the reporters that the committee also gave approval to import 187,500 tons of urea fertilizer, appoint a foreign consultant for Siddhirganj power plant and purchase the aircraft for Biman Bangladesh Airlines, which is already in operation under a lease agreement.

The government has decided to import rice at this time to meet its rice procurement target, the finance advisor explained. "As we need to increase the supply of rice to the local market, the stocks should be strengthened by importing rice."

LMJ International Ltd, an Indian company, has been selected as the lowest bidder to supply rice worth US$ 18.76 million (Tk1.285 billion). The company offered $349.90 per metric ton, while two other Indian bidders offered $368.11 and $372 for the same quantity of rice, according to reports.