Rice prices have climbed in Dhaka and Chattogram over the past week, particularly for fine varieties, as traders blame higher paddy prices, flood damage to Aus crops and Aman seedbeds, and uncertainty over rice imports from India.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given directives to take immediate action against rice hoarders.

Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder has warned against increasing rice prices, saying the country has an adequate stockpile of food grain.

Bangladesh government says it will launch the open market sale (OMS) of rice at Tk 15 per kilogramme from next week across the divisional and district towns.