Urgent rice import needed

Rice is an extremely important and sensitive food item for Bangladesh because it is the country's most important staple food. The recent rice price hikes have, therefore, created a serious problem for the country's poor population.

Floods in recent months across 21 districts have caused extensive damage to both Aman and Boro crops. It was, therefore, only normal that there would be a shortage of food in the aftermath. However, the food ministry failed to anticipate the crisis beforehand. If the authorities concerned had taken appropriate measures in time, perhaps the crisis could have been averted. Besides, those hoarding rice illegally should have been detected earlier.

Now, to mitigate the damage, the authorities should take steps against illegal hoarders and facilitate the process of importing rice on an urgent basis.