Chattogram:With the holy month of Ramadan approaching, imports of essential commodities such as chickpeas, lentils, and dates are continuing through the Chattogram seaport.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a total of 112,246 metric tonnes of these three commodities reached the country between July and November 8 this year. Chickpeas made up the largest share, with 89,451 metric tonnes imported during this period, along with 15,596 metric tonnes of lentils and 7,199 metric tonnes of dates.
Dr. Mohammad Shah Alam, Deputy Director of the Plant Quarantine Centre at the Chattogram seaport, confirmed these figures. Import data indicate that chickpeas account for roughly 80 percent of the combined volume of these three imported items. As staples of Iftar, the meal that breaks the fast during Ramadan, chickpeas and dates see a sharp rise in demand during this period. Lentils, on the other hand, maintain steady demand throughout the year.
Dr. Alam emphasized the importance of monitoring supply levels to prevent shortages during peak demand periods. He noted that while current import figures suggest stable supply, they only account for goods arriving through the Chattogram port. Without comprehensive data on the country's total existing stock, imports through other ports, and current market supply, definitive conclusions about supply adequacy and potential price movements during Ramadan remain uncertain.