Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Dec 23, 2025 (BSS) - The government has taken fresh initiatives to strengthen food security by approving proposals to procure 100,000 metric tons of rice, 4.75 crore liters of edible oil and 10,000 metric tons of lentil to meet the local growing demand aiming to stabilise prices and ensure smooth supply apparently ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.

The approvals came from the 51st meeting of the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase in this year held today at the Cabinet Division Conference Room at Bangladesh Secretariat with Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed in the chair.

The meeting recommended approval of two proposals from the Ministry of Food. Under the decisions, 50,000 metric tons of non-basmati parboiled rice will be procured through international open tender method from India with around Taka 217.53 crore, while another 50,000 metric tons of white rice will be imported from Pakistan under a government-to-government (G2G) arrangement with around Taka 241.52 crore.

Officials said the measures would help maintain adequate public food stocks and curb market volatility during Ramadan, when demand for essential commodities rises significantly.

The Directorate General of Food will implement the procurement, ensuring timely arrival of consignments to strengthen buffer stocks.

Besides, in a move aimed at keeping edible oil prices stable during the holy month of Ramadan, the government has approved separate proposals to procure 4.75 crore litres of edible oil, including soybean oil and rice bran oil.

Under the decisions, the government will procure 1 crore litres of refined rice bran oil locally while 3.75 crore litres of soybean oil from international sources under direct purchase methods.

Officials said the procurement would help maintain adequate supply in the domestic market and prevent price hikes during Ramadan, when consumption of edible oil increases sharply.

The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) is expected to play a key role in distributing the oil through subsidised sales across the country.

Meanwhile, the day’s meeting also approved the procurement of 10,000 metric tons of lentils through national open tender method with around Taka 72.20 crore to meet rising consumer demand during the holy month of Ramadan.

Officials said the procurement would help ensure adequate supply while keeping prices within affordable levels.

The lentils will be procured in 50-kg bags and distributed through government channels to stabilise the market and support low and middle-income consumers.