Dhaka, Aug. 10 -- In a move to control rising rice prices and stabilise the market, the government has authorised 242 private companies to import a total of 5 lakh metric tonnes of rice, including both parboiled and uncooked varieties.

A letter from the Ministry of Food was sent to the Commerce Ministry on Sunday, requesting permission in favour of the allocated companies, according to a press release.

Of the total volume, 4.61 lakh tonnes will be parboiled rice and 39,000 tonnes uncooked rice. All imported rice must contain no more than 5 percent broken grains.

As per the conditions, importers must ensure the entire allocated quantity is marketed within Bangladesh by 30 September. In addition, detailed information regarding the quanti...