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Bangladesh OKs 50,000 tn rice imports from India despite tensions
This story was originally published at 16:08 IST on 24 December 2025
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NEW DELHI – The Bangladesh government has approved imports of 100,000 tonnes of non-basmati parboiled rice, of which 50,000 tonnes will be imported from India and the remainder from Pakistan, according to various regional media reports. The approval also covered imports of other essential commodities, including edible oils and lentils, aimed at ensuring adequate availability and checking prices ahead of Ramadan month.
The approval was given at a meeting of the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase on Tuesday. "The purchase committee approved proposals to procure 100,000 metric tonnes of rice, 50,000 metric tonnes of non-basmati parboiled rice to be imported from India through the international open tender method at an estimated cost of (Bangladeshi Taka) Tk 2.18 billion (INR 1.60 billion)," Dhaka-based Financial Express reported.
The procurement decision comes amid heightened diplomatic and political tensions between India and Bangladesh. Last week, a Hindu man was allegedly mob lynched in Bangladesh, triggering concerns over the safety of religious minorities in the country and drawing strong reactions in India. In addition, anti-India Bangladesh youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi was killed, raising strong anti-India sentiment in the country.
On Tuesday, New Delhi summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah after the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry called the Indian envoy earlier to convey concern over security-related issues.
The developments also prompted calls from some Indian rice exporters to ban rice exports to Bangladesh, citing tensions and shipment risks to Bangladesh. Some Indian traders also urged exporters to quote higher prices if New Delhi does not impose any export ban on Dhaka.
India is a major trading partner for Bangladesh, particularly for essential commodities such as rice and onions, as well as health services. "We do not believe in using trade as a tool for political retaliation. Our priority is to ensure supplies at the best possible price for our people," Bangladesh Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed told reporters.
"If importing rice from India is cheaper than sourcing it from Vietnam or elsewhere, then it makes economic sense to buy from India," the Dhaka-based paper quoted an official. Importing from alternative markets could cost around Tk 10 more per kilogram, the official added. End
Compiled by Afra Abubacker
Edited by Akul Nishant Akhoury
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