Bangladesh grants permission for private import of 200,000 tons of parboiled rice from India

Jan 20, 2026
Business

Photo: Permission for 200,000 tons of rice import (Collected)

Staff Report: PNN

The Government of Bangladesh has granted permission for the private sector to import an additional 200,000 tons of parboiled rice. This decision aims to maintain control over domestic rice prices, and Indian mill owners and exporters have expressed satisfaction with it. They believe that this new approval will further expand export opportunities for businesses in eastern and southern India.

According to news agency PTI, 232 private companies will be allowed to import rice into Bangladesh until March 10, 2026. This will help ensure stock availability in the domestic market and stabilize prices.

Indian mill owners noted that Bangladesh announced its first phase of rice import plans in August 2025. The newly approved 200,000 tons of rice has been added to that plan. Due to crop losses caused by flooding, the Bangladesh government aims to restore stock and import a total of 900,000 tons of rice in the 2025–26 fiscal year.

Pram Garg, President of IREF, told PTI that Bangladesh has traditionally been a major buyer of Indian rice. Considering geographical proximity and competitive pricing, businesses from Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal will benefit the most.

Rahul Khaitan, Director of “Jai Baba Bakeshwar Rice Mill,” stated that the government opened the door for private rice imports due to domestic market pressure. According to him, the newly approved 200,000 tons will be added to the previously announced 500,000 tons. This decision was made particularly due to a significant rise in the price of parboiled rice in the domestic market.

According to government plans, out of the total 900,000 tons of rice, 500,000 tons will be procured privately and 400,000 tons by the government.

Indian businesspeople believe that India remains Bangladesh’s largest and most cost-effective partner for rice exports. According to recent trade data, the price of white rice from India is $351–$360 per ton, while rice from Pakistan costs around $395 per ton.