Dhaka: The government is set to procure 50,000 metric tons of non-basmati parboiled rice through an international open tender to enhance food security. Additionally, 80,000 metric tons of fertilizer will be imported to meet the country's agricultural demands.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, this decision was made during the 50th meeting of the Advisory Council Committee on Government Purchase, chaired by Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, at the Cabinet Division Conference Room at Bangladesh Secretariat. The Ministry of Food will procure the rice at a cost of Taka 214.70 crore, with each ton priced at $351.11. M/S Bagadiya Brothers Private Ltd, based in India, has been chosen as the supplier.
Officials indicated that this import would help maintain sufficient public food stocks and stabilize domestic market prices. The meeting also recommended two proposals from the Ministry of Industries to import a total of 80,000 metric tons of fertilizer from Saudi Arabia to satisfy agricultural needs.
Under these proposals, SABIC Agri-nutrients Company will supply two lots of 40,000 metric tons each, with a unit price of $413.46 per metric ton. Each lot will cost approximately Taka 203.09 crore. The committee also endorsed the construction of a fertilizer buffer warehouse in Naogaon, with a capacity of 25,000 metric tons, at an estimated cost of Taka 54.70 crore, to enhance storage and distribution facilities.
Furthermore, the meeting recommended the approval of a proposal for another fertilizer buffer warehouse in Bogura, with a 20,000 metric ton capacity, costing around Taka 59.28 crore, to further improve the storage and distribution of key agricultural inputs. Officials noted that these imports and facilities would ensure an uninterrupted fertilizer supply during peak farming seasons.
In addition, the purchase committee meeting approved several major infrastructure procurement proposals aimed at improving roads, bridges, and local infrastructure across the country. Among the approved projects is a World Bank-supported LGED project, valued at Tk 363 crore, to be implemented in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The committee also cleared multiple proposals related to road development projects under the Road Transport and Highways Division. These include upgrading regional highways to four lanes in Cumilla, Lakshmipur, and Noakhali, and constructing the Rabnabad Bridge over the Rabnabad River in Patuakhali.