Market analysts and consumers call the trend ‘abnormal,’ blaming syndicates, with many seeing the government as helpless.

Shafiqul Islam

Rice prices in Bangladesh have been climbing for several days across all varieties—coarse, medium, and fine grains—despite repeated government assurances of sufficient production and supply.

Currently, coarse rice that was selling at Tk50–54 per kilogram is now priced at Tk60–62. Miniket rice is being sold at Tk78–80 per kg, while Nazirshail is going for Tk83–85 per kg. Fine-grain rice, which had dropped to Tk75 after the new Boro harvest, has also rebounded to Tk83–85 per kg.

Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumder, however, reassured that the situation would stabilize soon. “The country has ample reserves—300,000 tons more than last year,” he said, adding that 72% of the targeted paddy and rice collection has already been completed. He further noted that OMS (open market sales) and other food security programs will be expanded to ease public hardship.

Wholesalers and traders say the situation is puzzling. “Supply is fine, but prices are still rising,” said wholesaler Mosharraf Hossain. Another trader, MA Rashid, said that all varieties of fine rice now cost more than Tk4,000 per sack.

Although no single cause has been identified, several factors are being discussed: natural disasters, stockpiling by traders, and global market influence. Floods or heavy rainfall often reduce production, while hoarding by businesses can create artificial crises. Production in rice hubs such as Natore and Naogaon was also disrupted during the Eid holidays, and rainfall in Asharh and Srabon made it difficult to dry paddy. Many farmers lost their crops, pushing paddy prices up by Tk100–150 per maund. Mill owners, meanwhile, blame corporate manipulation for destabilizing the market.

Ironically, the current Boro season has seen a bumper harvest. The Department of Agricultural Extension reported a record 21.4 million tons of paddy, while government silos hold 2.14 million tons of food stock, including nearly 1.9 million tons of rice.

Internationally, however, prices are falling—down 3.8% in the past month, 9.16% in seven months, and 14.16% over the past year. The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization has reported a 13% drop in global rice price indices, driven by record production in India, Vietnam, Thailand, and Pakistan.

Yet in Bangladesh, prices continue to climb. According to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), compared to last year, Nazirshail and Miniket are up 15.94%, Pajam and Atash up 16.7%, and coarse Swarna and China Irri up 10.58%. In Dhaka retail markets, coarse rice now costs Tk60 or more, medium varieties Tk65–70, and fine grains Tk75–85. Branded premium rice is nearing Tk100 per kg. Over the past year, the price of a 50-kg sack of rice has risen by at least Tk400, despite tax-free imports.

Market analysts and consumers describe the trend as “abnormal,” pointing to millers and corporate syndicates as the main drivers of inflation. Retailers also allege weak government monitoring. The rising cost of rice—alongside flour, onions, lentils, fish, and meat—has put additional strain on middle- and low-income households, many of whom believe the government appears helpless against syndicates.

Published Date: August 19, 2025