1.  There have been some press reports about export restriction imposed by India on non-basmati rice. Some of these reports suggest that the restriction is applicable to Bangladesh only. The export restriction on non-basmati rice notified on February 7, 2008 is applicable to all countries, and is not specific to Bangladesh.

2.  Regarding waiver of ban by Government of India on export of rice upto 5 lakh metric tonnes to Bangladesh, announced during the visit of External Affairs Minister of India to Bangladesh on December 1, 2007, it is clarified that the notification dated February 7, 2008, will not affect procurement of 5 lakh metric tonnes of rice by Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh from designated Indian entities. The process of procurement of 5 lakh MTs of rice is underway.

Dhaka
February 10, 2008