To keep the rice market stable, the government has taken a decision to allow private firms to import rice, Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder said on Monday.
“A summary of the meeting with resolution will be sent to the Prime Minister for final decision,” he said while talking to reporters after a meeting of Food Planning and Containment Committee at the Secretariat.
During the meeting, discussion was held on duty-free rice import after ensuring that farmers and others concerned are not affected by the decision, he said.
Also read: Rice price coming down after anti-hoarding drive: Food Minister
However, the final decision will come from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Talking about the drives against illegal hoarding of rice, Sadhan said already people have started getting the benefits of the drives and the drives against illegal ricer hoarders will continue.
Local Government and Rural Development (LGRD) Minister Md Tajul Islam, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, Fisheries and Livestock Minister SM Rezaul Karim and State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr Md Enamur Rahman were present at the virtual meeting.
Also read: Rice cannot be packaged for sale after buying those from open market: Minister