Bangladesh Decides to Return 11,500 Tonnes of Rice Imported from India Over Quality Concerns

Bangladesh has decided to return a shipment of 11,500 tonnes of rice imported from India after concerns were raised over its quality. The rice was brought under a government-to-government (G2G) agreement, and part of the shipment was reportedly found unfit for human consumption following inspections after unloading.

According to The Hindu BusinessLine, the rice-laden vessel arrived at Chattogram Port on July 21. Samples were tested the following day and clearance was granted for unloading. Around 3,500 tonnes of rice were subsequently unloaded on July 23 and 24 and sent to storage facilities in Tejgaon, Halishahar, Dewanhat and Joydebpur.

However, on July 25, officials at some of the storage facilities raised concerns about the quality of the rice, claiming it was not suitable for human consumption. The matter was later reported to the Ministry of Food and the Directorate General of Food.

The vessel’s shipping agent rejected the allegations, stating that the rice was only “slightly reddish” in color and did not suffer from any major quality issues.

The development has sparked discussion among Indian traders. Some exporters, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested that political factors may be behind Bangladesh’s decision to reject the shipment. However, no official comment has been made by Bangladeshi authorities regarding such claims.

According to the report, permission to unload the remaining rice has been withheld and the entire consignment is now in the process of being returned to India. The rice was imported under a G2G agreement signed in 2025.