A total of 2,100 metric tonnes of non-basmati coarse rice have been imported through Benapole port, over six working days.
The rice consignments, brought in through 15 separate shipments, entered the port’s 31 No. transshipment yard, said Benapole Port Director Shamim Hossain on Tuesday.
According to port sources, the imports were made between Jan 27 and Feb 17.
Earlier, 6,128 metric tonnes of rice were imported through the port during the four months from August to November last year.
On January 18, the government allowed 232 importing firms to bring in 2,00,000 metric tonnes of rice, setting March 3 as the deadline for completing the imports and marketing the rice in Bangladesh.
The importing firm, Haji Musa Karim & Sons, brought the rice from India, while C&F agent M/s Bhuiya Enterprise is handling the clearance process.
Abdus Samad, proprietor of Haji Musa Karim & Sons, said they imported 2,100 metric tonnes of coarse rice from India in 58 trucks over six days.
The import cost up to Benapole port stood at Tk 50 per kg and the rice is expected to be sold in the open market at Tk 51 per kg, he said.
Port Director Shamim Hossain said officials concerned have been instructed to ensure quick release of the imported consignments from the port.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
