For the first time in two years, Bangladesh imported 100 tonnes of Atap rice from India through the Banglabandha land port in Panchagarh on Tuesday.

The shipment, delivered in four cargo trucks, was imported by Pahar International via Al Amin Enterprise. This import is notable as Banglabandha port primarily handles stone imports, making rice imports a rare occurrence, said Abul Kalam Azad, manager of Banglabandha Land Port Limited.

Nur Hasan, additional deputy director of the Plant and Quarantine Center at the port, confirmed that the rice underwent comprehensive quality checks before being cleared for release. "We conducted thorough testing and confirmed that the rice is of good quality and fit for consumption," he stated.

Banglabandha is a key land port connecting Bangladesh with India, Nepal, and Bhutan, primarily facilitating stone imports and occasional exports of other goods. The port authorities noted the significance of this development in diversifying the range of commodities traded through the port.

The arrival of this rice shipment highlights the potential of Banglabandha to accommodate a broader spectrum of trade goods in the future.