Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed -File Photo

DHAKA, Nov 9, 2025 (BSS) - Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed today said that rice prices in the country are expected to remain relatively stable in the coming months.

"Rice prices are more or less stable. Yes, there may be some variations, but we would say the situation is under control. Food inflation has come down to some extent. Non-food inflation is where the pressure is coming from - transport costs, house rent and similar expenses have increased. This is a reality, and we acknowledge it," he said.

The Finance Adviser was briefing reporters after holding three separate meetings of the Advisers Council Committee on Economic Affairs, Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase and the Food Planning and Monitoring Committee at the Cabinet Division Conference Room at Bangladesh Secretariat today.

The adviser noted that the overall inflation has eased slightly, particularly in the food segment.

However, he admitted that non-food inflation remains a bit of concern, driven largely by increased transport costs and rising house rents.

Dr Salehuddin further informed that the government is importing non-basmati boiled rice to ensure a smoother supply in the domestic market and to strengthen the food security support system for low and fixed-income groups.

"We are importing boiled rice to ensure the entire food assistance package reaches the targeted population effectively. Our objective is to keep essential food items within reach as much as possible," he added.

The adviser also highlighted the important role of the private sector in maintaining market stability, noting that a significant portion of rice imports is carried out by the private traders.

"A large share of import activities is undertaken by the private sector. They assess competitive prices and source rice from countries where rates are lower. This contributes to stabilising the market. If imports were solely dependent on the government, it would be difficult to maintain that balance," he said.

Dr Salehuddin Ahmed stated that the current food supply situation is "generally satisfactory," and the government is aiming to hand over a stable market structure to the next administration.

"We believe the food situation is currently manageable. We expect the next government to inherit a stable condition regarding food supply and market management," he added.