After a prolonged hiatus of one month and twenty-two days, rice imports from India have resumed at the Hili land port in Dinajpur. The move comes following government approval to import rice, aimed at stabilising domestic market prices and meeting local demand.
On Wednesday afternoon, D P Enterprise imported a total of 77 tonnes of rice from India in two separate trucks. Revenue Officer M R Bandhan of Hili Customs confirmed that rice imports at the port had been suspended since 30 November. With the resumption of duty-free imports, supply to the domestic market has begun to normalise.
Yusuf Ali, Deputy Assistant Officer at the Port’s Plant Quarantine Centre, stated that a total of 32 importers have been authorised to import 14,000 tonnes of rice. Although the permits were issued three days earlier, the formal import operations commenced only yesterday.
According to market analysts, the renewed inflow of rice from India is expected to help stabilise domestic prices and ensure that local traders can meet consumer demand. Hili Customs has been processing all necessary formalities promptly, allowing importers to clear goods without any delays.
Summary of Recent Rice Imports at Hili Land Port
| Serial | Importer | Rice Source | Quantity (tonnes) | Date of Operation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | D P Enterprise | India | 77 | 21 January 2026 |
| 2 | Various importers | India | 14,000 (total approved) | 18–21 January 2026 |
Officials at Hili port expressed optimism that the renewed rice import operations would play a crucial role in maintaining market supply and regulating rice prices. Market observers predict that if imports continue over the coming weeks, retail rice prices are likely to remain stable.
Furthermore, both the Hili Customs and the Plant Quarantine Centre are actively monitoring all imports to ensure quality and safety standards are strictly maintained. Their coordinated efforts aim to prevent any substandard or unsafe rice from entering the domestic market, thereby protecting both consumers and traders.
With imports now back on track, the Hili land port is expected to remain a vital gateway for rice supply into the country, supporting price stability and ensuring uninterrupted availability for consumers nationwide.