United News of Bangladesh

The government has started selling rice at a subsidised rate of Tk 30 per kg under the additional Open Market Sale (OMS) programme in 419 upazilas to stabilise rice prices and provide price support to people. Under the programme, one metric tonnes of rice will be distributed in each upazila. Read more: CAB seeks govt action to rein in LPG, sugar, edible oil prices The additional OMS programme will operate alongside the regular OMS, said a PID handout. Currently, under the regular OMS programme, 1,417.5 metric tonnes of flour (Tk 24 per kg for loose flour and Tk 55 for a 2-kg packet) and 1,175 metric tonnes of rice per day are sold in 1,081 centers in  12 city corporations, 52 district municipal areas, 15 labour-intensive upazilas, and five labour-intensive municipalities at subsidised rates of Tk 30 per kilogram. Although there is adequate food stock, some areas of the country have recently seen a sporadic rise in the price of fine rice, it said. Read more: Rice prices keep food inflation high despite slight easing in Nov: GED The Ministry of Food has instructed regular market monitoring in these areas and necessary legal actions to prevent price hikes.

As the floodwaters of Madhyanagar’s haors slowly recede, farmers have embarked on the crucial boro rice planting season, working relentlessly to ensure timely transplantation. The effort has drawn participation from all sections of haor-side communities. With examinations concluded, students have joined the fields with some delivering midday meals to labourers, while others assist with collecting seedlings to support the planting process. A field visit to Tanguar Haor, Ghoradoba Haor, Shaldigha Haor and other wetlands in the upazila revealed farmers actively engaged across expansive tracts of land. Read more: Rice prices keep food inflation high despite slight easing in Nov: GED According to the Upazila Agriculture Office, the target for this season is the cultivation of boro rice on 13,640 hectares. To date, approximately 2,815 hectares have been successfully planted. Nazar Hossain, a farmer from Nishchintpur village in Tanguar Haor’s Banshikunda South Union, pointed out that delayed water recession has hindered transplantation across all fields. “Once the water fully recedes, we will be able to complete planting swiftly,” he said. Similarly, Ghoradoba Haor farmer Abdul Majid said, “We are planting rice in the fields every day. This is the final period for boro transplantation, but the slow receding of water has caused some delay.” Meanwhile, Noor Alam, Assistant Engineer at the Upazila Water Development Board, reported that work has begun on strengthening the haor-protection embankments. “As water levels drop, we will fully resume construction. We hope the project will be completed efficiently in the near future,” he added. Upazila Agriculture Officer Ashayad Bin Khalil Rahat emphasised that, under government incentives, high-quality seeds and fertiliser have been distributed to marginal and smallholder farmers to boost production. Read more: Haor farmers reap early gains as mustard cultivation flourishes in Sunamganj With the normalisation of water levels, he assured, boro rice transplantation will be completed within the scheduled timeframe. The ongoing activity, Rahat said, underscores the resilience of haor communities, blending tradition and collective effort to meet seasonal agricultural demands despite climatic uncertainties.

Bangladesh’s overall inflation rose slightly in November and rice remained the single largest contributor to food inflation, accounting for 40.28 per cent, according to the Monthly Economic Update and Outlook released by the General Economics Division (GED) of the Planning Ministry. The government report said general inflation increased to 8.29 per cent in November from 8.17 per cent in October. Food inflation rose to 7.36 per cent from 7.08 per cent, while non-food inflation remained broadly stable at around 9 per cent. Overall rice inflation fell to 12.26 per cent in November from 13.77 per cent in October, with medium rice declining to 10.96 per cent, fine rice to 15.43 per cent and coarse rice to 11.04 per cent. Read more: Rice procurement faces disruption due to 0.5% source tax Despite the downward trend, rice prices remained elevated and continued to exert significant pressure on food inflation. Fish and dry fish contributed 40.77 percent to food inflation, slightly higher than the previous month. Contributions from meat, edible oil and fat declined, while milk, cheese and eggs recorded a modest increase and vegetables continued to have a strong disinflationary impact, though the negative contribution eased in November. At a detailed level, inflationary contributions from all major rice varieties declined. Among protein items, beef, hilsa and pangash fish showed higher inflationary pressure, while soybean oil and liquid milk eased. Potato and onion continued to post negative contributions, with potato remaining strongly disinflationary. The report noted that the gap between price inflation and wage inflation narrowed in October but widened slightly in November. Govt approves import of 1 lakh mt rice from India, Pakistan In November, price inflation stood at 8.29 per cent compared to wage inflation of 8.04 per cent, indicating continued pressure on real incomes despite partial adjustment through wage growth. On the monetary front, bank deposits reached Tk 19.24 crore in October, registering a year-on-year growth of 9.62 per cent, reflecting sustained depositor confidence. Credit growth moderated, with public sector credit growth slowing to 21.43 per cent and private sector credit growth easing slightly to 6.23 per cent. Total domestic credit growth decelerated to 9.62 per cent in October. Weighted average interest rate (WAIR) spreads varied across banking groups. Foreign commercial banks recorded the highest spread at 8.88 per cent while specialised and development banks posted the lowest at 3.37 per cent. State-owned and private commercial banks showed similar spreads of around 5.6 per cent, a level the GED said is desirable for improving banking sector efficiency. Revenue collection by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) fell short of the monthly target in November 2025 although it posted double-digit year-on-year growth. Govt to procure 50,000 mt of non-basmati parboiled rice, 80,000 mt fertiliser Against a monthly target of Tk 36,326 crore, collections stood at Tk 29,658 crore, achieving 83.95 per cent of the target. However, revenue increased by Tk 3,688 crore or 14.2 per cent compared to November 2024. The report said Annual Development Programme (ADP) utilisation improved year-on-year during July–November of FY2025-26, but overall implementation remained sluggish. Despite higher spending, utilisation continued to lag behind targets due to administrative bottlenecks, slow approvals and procurement delays. Bangladesh’s external sector showed strong performance in November. Remittance inflows reached a record USD 2.89 billion while export earnings stood at about USD 3.89 billion, driven largely by the ready-made garments (RMG) sector. Foreign exchange reserves peaked for the year, with gross reserves at approximately USD 32.34 billion and BPM6 reserves at USD 27.58 billion, strengthening external stability. RMG exports accounted for over 80 per cent of total export earnings underscoring continued dependence on the sector and the need for diversification. Read more: Rice biggest driver of October’s food inflation in Bangladesh: GED The GED also highlighted a growing divergence between the real effective exchange rate and the bilateral taka–US dollar rate, indicating potential real appreciation pressures and risks to external competitiveness.

The government has decided to procure 50,000 metric tonnes of non-basmati parboiled rice and 80,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser. The decision was taken at a meeting of Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase on Monday (December 15, 2025) at the Secretariat with Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed in the chair. The Ministry of Food will procure 50,000 metric tonnes of rice at a cost of Tk 214.70 crore. India-based M/S Bagadiya Brothers Private Ltd has been selected as the supplier. Officials said the rice import would help maintain adequate public food stocks and contribute to stabilising prices in the domestic market. Govt happy with macroeconomic stability despite sectoral challenges: Salehuddin The purchase committee also recommended approval of two proposals placed by the Ministry of Industries to import a total of 80,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser from Saudi Arabia. Under the proposals, 40,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser will be imported as the 12th lot and another 40,000 metric tonnes as the 13th lot from SABIC Agri-Nutrients Company at a unit price of US$413.46 per metric tonne. The committee further recommended approval of a proposal to construct a fertiliser buffer warehouse in Naogaon with a capacity of 25,000 metric tonnes at an estimated cost of Tk 54.70 crore to improve storage and distribution. Another proposal to construct a fertiliser buffer warehouse in Bogura with a capacity of 20,000 metric tonnes at an estimated cost of Tk 59.28 crore was also recommended for approval. Officials said the fertiliser imports and storage facilities would help ensure uninterrupted supply during peak farming seasons. Safe, quality shrimp production must be prioritised: Adviser Farida In addition, the meeting recommended approval of several major infrastructure procurement proposals aimed at improving roads, bridges and local infrastructure across the country. Among them is a World Bank-supported project under the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), with a contract value of Tk 363 crore. The committee also cleared multiple road development proposals under the Road Transport and Highways Division, including four-lane upgrading of regional highways in Cumilla, Lakshmipur and Noakhali, as well as the construction of the Rabnabad Bridge over the Rabnabad River in Patuakhali. Officials said the approved projects would enhance connectivity, improve logistics and support regional economic growth. Read more: Govt to procure 50,000 mt non-Basmati parboiled rice, 10,000 mt lentil

Rice alone contributed about 47 percent of total food inflation in October while vegetables posted a strong negative impact because of seasonal abundance, according to the latest Economic Update and Outlook for November 2025 prepared by the General Economics Division (GED). Protein items including beef, chicken and fish saw steady inflation during the month, driven by feed prices and transport costs, the report said. Overall inflation dropped to 8.17 percent in October 2025, from 10.87 percent a year earlier, driven almost entirely by a sharp fall in food inflation. Food inflation plunged from 12.66 percent in October 2024 to 7.08 percent in October 2025 as rice supply improved due to the Aman harvest, imports and public procurement. Read more: High price of rice in Bangladesh bucks the trend of easing inflation However, non-food inflation inched up to 9.13 percent, reflecting persistent pressure in housing, transport and healthcare—an indication that inflation remains far from under control. Election-related spending and possible disruptions during the transition are expected to add further pressure on inflation and the foreign exchange market, complicating stabilisation efforts, said the report. The report warns that large-scale dollar purchases by the central bank unless sterilized could fuel inflation and distort market-based exchange rate mechanisms. Bangladesh’s economic recovery depend heavily on political stability following the February national election and the next government’s willingness to carry out meaningful reforms, said the GED reprot. The report offers a cautiously optimistic view but warns that deep structural weaknesses along with the political transition period could constrain economic momentum. According to the analysis, the economy could regain pace if the election produces a clear political direction and the next government decisively undertakes long-delayed reforms, particularly in improving the business climate, stabilising the banking system, and ensuring fiscal and energy security. Without such reforms, the recovery may be short-lived, it said. Read more: Bangladesh economy in ‘waiting vortex’; experts urge credible elections The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has forecast around 5 percent GDP growth for FY26 following a sluggish period. Remittances and garment exports continue to provide much-needed resilience but the GED notes that the broader economic environment remains fragile as both investors and entrepreneurs appear to be “waiting” for political stability before committing to new ventures.= While bank deposits grew at nearly double-digit rates through August and September, private-sector credit growth fell to just 6.29 percent—the lowest in at least four years and well below the Bangladesh Bank’s FY26 target of 7.2 percent. High lending rates, cautious bank behaviour and political uncertainty have depressed investment appetite. Meanwhile, government borrowing from commercial banks surged 24.45 percent in September, raising concerns about crowding out private borrowers. Interest rate spreads also exposed deep structural distortions. Foreign commercial banks maintained spreads close to 9 percent—far higher than state-owned and private banks—highlighting issues such as high operational costs, non-performing loans and market concentration. Rising rice prices push food inflation higher in Bangladesh: Report Revenue collection in October 2025 fell short of the target by Tk 8,324 crore, achieving only 77.37 percent of the month’s goal. All major revenue streams—import duties, domestic VAT, and income tax—underperformed. Although collection was slightly higher than in October 2024, the growth of just 2.2 percent was described as “pessimistic” given inflationary pressures and increased public spending needs. ADP utilisation continues to lag despite marginal improvements. Up to October, utilisation stood at 8.33 percent, only a slight increase from 7.90 percent last year. Lower overall allocations and reduced spending under own-financing components indicate financial strain and weak project execution. The report notes that while utilisation rates improved marginally in some categories, the decline in total expenditure—from Tk 8,762 crore last year to Tk 7,720 crore this year—reflects ongoing bottlenecks in planning, fund release and implementation. Foreign exchange reserves improved significantly, rising from USD 24.35 billion in November 2024 to USD 32.34 billion in October 2025. BPM6 reserves also rose sharply, supported by stronger remittances and prudent reserve management. Bangladesh’s June inflation remains high with food inflation at 10.42% Remittances surged in the first four months of FY26, with each month outperforming the previous year and September recording the highest inflows. However, export earnings remained volatile. Exports peaked in July at USD 4.77 billion but suffered sharp declines in April and June. RMG exports mirrored these fluctuations, while non-RMG exports also experienced mid-year downturns. Imports especially capital machinery saw steep contractions year-on-year, signalling depressed investment demand. A slight month-on-month recovery in August and September suggests only tentative stabilisation. The real effective exchange rate (REER) appreciated notably, indicating eroding external competitiveness. Read more: Inflation in Bangladesh edges up to 8.36% in September

Rice procurement activities across the country are facing disruptions following the imposition of a 0.5% source tax on domestic rice procurement, according to an official document. The document was placed in a recent meeting of Food Planning and Monitoring Committee (FPMC) held at Bangladesh Secretariat with Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed in the chair. As per the meeting document, the target for Boro Crop collection as paddy was 3.50 lakh metric tonnes while the collection as of July 15 was 3,76,942 tonnes, which means 108% achievement. Parboiled Rice collection target was 14.00 lakh metric tonnes where the achievement of the stipulated time was 9,60,802 tonnes, which means 68.3% of the target. The target for Atap Rice Was 35,000 metric tonnes while collection was 27,908 tonnes, which means 79.4% of the target. The document mentioned that some 26,942 MT of paddy procurement has been achieved ahead of schedule; which is a record so far. The Food Department has sent a proposal for the ex-post facto approval of procurement of 26,942 MT of paddy procurement in the current Boro season. In the case of rice procurement, the target of 67.6% parboiled rice and 78.2% parboiled rice has been achieved till July 15, 2025. Rice shortage unlikely this year due to steady supply, strong stocks “Rice procurement activities are being disrupted due to imposition of 0.5% source tax on domestic procurement of rice,” the document stated. Considering the potential demand for distribution of 31.23 lakh MT of rice in the food budget of the fiscal year 2025-26, it said that some more quantity of parboiled and parboiled rice can be procured from domestic sources in the ongoing Boro procurement 2025 season. “This will help in ensuring fair price of paddy and rice in the market. Besides, the quantity of rice imports will be reduced and foreign exchange will be saved,” it added. The Food Department has proposed to procure 50,000 MT of Boro parboiled rice and 15,000 MT of Boro parboiled rice in the current season, as per the document, In the current Boro procurement season 2025, permission may be given to procure 26,942 MT of paddy in addition to the target, the official document said adding that the procurement of 50,000 MT of Boro parboiled rice and 15,000 MT of parboiled rice in the current season might be considered. A top official of the food ministry mentioned that the target for rice collection is 14 lakh metric tonnes whereas some 9.50 lakh has been collected. High price of rice in Bangladesh bucks the trend of easing inflation “Hopefully we will be able to reach the target. We will stop the process to procure the rice in the middle of August,” he said. The Food Ministry official said source tax  is creating trouble for the field officials to procure rice. He mentioned that usually the farmers who used to sell rice and paddy to the government system do not have any income tax file or they do not know anything about the income tax, tax at source and others. “When they see their total amount reduced in the name of source tax, they become frustrated and express unwillingness to sell their rice,” the official said. When asked he said that till now there is no move from the ministry to the Finance Ministry or the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to withdraw this source tax.  

A vessel carrying 20,000 metric tonnes of rice from Vietnam arrived at Chattogram Port. The rice was brought under a government-to-government (G2G) agreement signed on February 3, 2025. Reforms agreed through dialogue must be implemented by current govt: Nur Bangladesh had contracted to import a total of 100,000 metric tonnes of non-parboiled rice from Vietnam. All shipments under the deal have now arrived in the country, said a press release. Unloading of the rice have started after sample testing of the rice.    

A vessel named MV PHU THANH carrying 10,000 metric tonnes of rice has arrived at Chittagong  Port from India. The rice was brought under open tender contract (Package-8) signed on March 2, 2025, said a press release. Under the agreement, a total of five lakh metric tonnes  of rice will be imported from India. Rice prices to stabilise within two weeks: Commerce Adviser So far, 3.53 lakh metric tonnes of rice have already arrived in the country as per the agreement. The sample testing of the rice stored on the ship has been completed and the process of unloading the rice will begin promptly, it said.  

A consignment of 26, 250 metric tonnes of rice arrived at Chittagong Port from Pakistan on Saturday. The Pakistani vessel named ‘MV MARIAM’ carrying the rice under the Government-to-Government (G2G) deal anchored at Chittagong Port in the morning, said a media release of the Food Ministry. The unloading of the rice started after conducting the sample test, it said.  

Retail rice prices in Dhaka have risen by Tk 2 to Tk 3 per kilogram due to alleged supply shortage, despite steady wholesale market prices over the past five days. During visits to various kitchen markets, it was found that retailers have raised prices by Tk 2 to Tk 3 per kg, citing reduced supply from wholesalers. Despite no increase in wholesale prices, some retailers have opted to sell rice at higher prices. Govt to launch rice open market sale at Tk 30 per kg from Feb 1 Fazlu Mia, owner of Bhai Bhai Rice Agency in Mogbazar Kacha Bazar, told UNB that he received only 100 sacks of rice from Naogaon, instead of the usual 150 sacks. As a result, he felt compelled to increase his rice prices by Tk 2 to Tk 3 per kilogram, attributing it to the supply shortage. In the wholesale market, the prices of various types of rice were observed as follows: ·         Miniket rice: Tk 75-79 per kg ·         BR-28, BR-29: Tk 60-64 per kg ·         Nazirshail: Tk 76-84 per kg ·         Swarna: Tk 52-54 per kg ·         Pajama: Tk 57-58 per kg ·         Basmati: Tk 94-98 per kg ·         Aromatic rice (Chinigura): Tk 110-115 per kg At the retail level, the prices are slightly higher: ·         Miniket rice: Tk 84-85 per kg ·         BR-28, BR-29: Tk 65-68 per kg ·         Swarna: Tk 56-58 per kg ·         Nazirshail: Tk 80-85 per kg ·         Basmati: Tk 95-100 per kg ·         Aromatic rice (Chinigura): Tk 140 per kg Rojab Ali, a wholesaler, stated, "We are selling rice at the same prices as before. The prices have not increased yet." However, he acknowledged that the supply of rice is currently low, and the market may remain unstable until new rice enters the market. He also pointed out that imported rice has not yet arrived, making it unlikely for prices to decrease in the near future. Ali emphasized that the rice market's instability would persist until the syndicate controlling the market is broken. To address the rising rice prices, the government had previously withdrawn import and regulatory duties on rice in two phases, effective from October 20 and November 1. The decision aimed to increase supply and ensure that rice prices remained affordable for the common people. The National Board of Revenue (NBR) had expected these measures to reduce rice prices by at least Tk 9.60 per kilogram. Two ships carrying rice from India and Myanmar reach Ctg port According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), the average daily per capita rice consumption in the country is 328.9 grams. In urban areas, the daily consumption per capita is slightly lower at 284.7 grams. This consumption pattern requires a total of 2.6 crore tons of rice annually for the country's population of 170 million. Bangladesh produced over 4 crore tons of rice in the fiscal year 2023-2024. As of December 19, the Food Ministry reported that various food warehouses across the country held stocks of 744,000 tons of rice, 448,000 tons of wheat, and over 4,000 tons of paddy.