Bangladesh rushes to import Indian rice via Hili Land Port

15-Apr-2025 08:39 PM

Chittagong. Despite the public holiday for Pahela Baishakh, Bangladesh imported a record 8,400 tonnes of Indian rice through Hili Land Port on 14 April 2025.

The urgency stems from the government’s deadline for duty-free rice imports ending on 16 April.Rice imports through the port began on 11 November 2024, and volumes have surged in recent days.

On 12 and 13 April, 10,000 tonnes were imported each day, while 3,617 tonnes are expected to arrive on 15 April. Officials say importers are maximizing the window before the deadline, with little hope of an extension.