Bangladesh's Food Stock Reaches 2 Million Tonnes, Highest in Five Years

Bangladesh’s food stock has hit 2,027,420 metric tonnes, the highest level in the past five years, according to Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumder. Addressing a press conference at the Secretariat today, he confirmed that there is no immediate risk of food shortages in the country.

The food stock comprises 1,696,787 tonnes of rice, 233,224 tonnes of wheat, and 97,409 tonnes of paddy, providing a satisfactory buffer for the country’s consumption needs. Ali Imam also highlighted that the country's annual wheat demand stands at approximately seven million tonnes, with domestic production of about one million tonnes, the remainder being imported. On the other hand, most of the rice is locally produced, with only a small portion imported.

In response to concerns about political tensions, Ali Imam emphasized that trade between Bangladesh and India remains unaffected by politics. He reassured the public that Bangladesh’s rice imports from India are part of regular market mechanisms, driven by demand and pricing, rather than political considerations.

Ali Imam further noted that while rice prices had risen last year due to natural disasters, they remain stable this year, thanks to improved preparations, and are expected to stay at a tolerable level.