The New Nation - Internet Edition

Mashiur Rahman

Bangladesh has asked the Government of India to reduce the rice price under a state-to-state deal.

Meanwhile, thousands of rice loaded trucks remained stranded at Petrapole on the Indian side for four consecutive days after the new Indian decision to increase rice export price.

On March 5, 2008 the Indian government raised the export price of rice to $650 per tonne to keep home front stable, which has put its inflation-hit neighbour under the threat of acute food shortage.

Benapole border source said hundreds of heavy vehicles, loaded with rice remained stranded awaiting the outcome of the inter-state negotiation in West Bengal, which ended without a decision on Monday. Hence the rice dealers have started unloading their lots to store in safe places on the Indian side of the border.

Transhipment Yard of the land border remained quiet for the fourth day in a row and its handling labours became unemployed.

It was also reported that the Indian Customs have requested the Delhi Head Office to allow the waiting trucks to enter into Bangladesh, but have received no response until yesterday.

"Formally we will request the Indian government to lower the export price as a gesture of good will to its next door neighbour," said AMM Shawkat Ali, Adviser for Food and Disaster Management. He was addressing reporters at a press briefing yesterday in the capital.

According to him, the Government was trying to increase production of boro by 21 per cent to 17.5 million tonnes this year, but is still facing a shortfall of up to 2.5 million tonnes.

"We have taken various measures to augment the availability of rice, the main staple of the country, by increasing imports from our neighbouring countries including India, Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar," the Adviser said.

He said Bangladesh had imported 2.9 million tonnes of rice including 2.3 million tonnes through the private sector, but was still aiming to build up stockpiles in case of unforeseen events.