The government has extended a ban on export of all varieties of rice, except the aromatic ones by another six months till December 2015.
A commerce ministry official said the decision was taken to ensure adequate supply to the local market so the prices do not surge and remain within the people’s affordability.
The ministry on August 25 issued an order extending the ban, effective from July 1, 2015, in line with the Imports and Exports (Control) Act 1950.
Officials said the ban had to extend as the previous ban imposed on June 2014 expired on June 30, 2015.
The ban on export of all types of rice was first imposed in November 2008 and saw extension several times. Later, export of aromatic rice resumed in mid-2012.
Traders can export aromatic rices to international market with prior permission from the ministry.
The rice varieties that can be exported include Kalojira, Chinigura, Chiniatop, Chinikanai, Kataribhog, Badshabhog, Kataribhog, Modonbhog, Radhunipagol, Banshphul, Jotabanshpul, Binnaphul, Tulshimala, Tulshiatap, Tulshimoni, Madhumala, Khorma, Sakkur Khorma, Nunia, Poshushail, BR 5 (Dulabhog) and BR 34, 37, 38 and 50.
According to exporters, Bangladesh annually export around 5,000 tonnes of aromatic rice to international market. The demand of Bangladeshi rice is high among Bangladeshi expatriates especially in Middle East countries, United States of America, United Kingdom, Australia and Canada.
Considering the demand, many exporters have applied to the commerce ministry to open the export.
More than 30 companies, including PRAN, Square, ACI, Sajeeb and Banaphul, export aromatic rice to different countries.
