Dhaka, April 2 -- Rice import has become uncertain amid the higher import duties imposed by Bangladesh and India, thereby adding to a record global price, insiders say.

The food ministry on March 21 allowed 31 companies to bring 83,000 tonnes of rice primarily from the world market to reign in the domestic market as local retail prices of the staple increased by Tk 6.0-8.0 a kg in the last three months.

To this effect, a notification from the food ministry says that importers will have to bring and market the rice within April 25.

Both the government and private sector remained absconded from rice import so far this year, thanks to a robust production both in Boro and Aman seasons, said sector insiders.

Although the government slashed...