On April 21, 2026, the deadline for rice imports through Bangladesh’s Benapole land port concluded with limited activity. Only 1,259 metric tons of coarse rice were imported during the 40-day extension period, spread over three working days.
These shipments entered through India’s Petrapole port and were handled at Yard No. 31 in Benapole port, according to Port Director Shamim Hossain. The extension was granted due to a decrease in rice imports and escalating domestic prices.
Initially, 232 importers were authorized to bring in 200,000 metric tons by March 10. However, due to unsatisfactory import levels, the deadline was extended from March 11 to April 20.
Liton Hossain, owner of Liton Enterprise in Jessore, reported importing 1,259 metric tons of coarse rice from India within the extension. The import cost was Tk 50 per kilogram at Benapole, with market prices expected to reach Tk 51.
The limited import volume may exacerbate Bangladesh’s rice market pressures. Future policy adjustments are anticipated to address ongoing supply challenges.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, April 22, 2026
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