Bangladesh to return 11,500 tonnes of Indian rice

Bangladesh has decided to return a consignment of around 11,500 tonnes of non-basmati parboiled rice imported from India after tests found it failed to meet quality standards, according to Indian media.

The shipment arrived at Chattogram Port and initially cleared preliminary inspections. However, subsequent detailed tests reportedly found the rice to be below the required standard. About 3,500 tonnes had already been released before the issue was identified, prompting authorities to begin the process of returning the remaining consignment.

The rice had been procured through an international tender from stocks supplied by multinational companies via Indian exporters.

According to The Hindu, the development has raised concerns among trade observers that procedural issues within Bangladesh’s Food Department could affect bilateral trade if similar incidents recur.