Bangladesh Extends Fragrant Rice Export Deadline Until April 30

Dhaka | February 14, 2026:
The government has extended the deadline for exporting fragrant (aromatic) rice until April 30, allowing 61 approved companies to continue shipments under previously granted quotas.

The Ministry of Commerce informed the Office of the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports about the extension on February 8. Copies of the letter were also sent directly to the 61 authorized exporters.

The previous export window had expired on December 31. Following appeals from exporting firms, the government approved the time extension.

Export Quotas and Allegations

In April last year, companies were granted export permissions ranging from 100 to 500 metric tons, depending on assessed capacity.

Sources within the Commerce Ministry indicate that while some firms fully utilized their allocated quotas, others exported only partially. However, allegations have surfaced that certain capable exporters received comparatively lower quotas, whereas some less-prepared companies were granted higher volumes.

Pricing and Compliance Conditions

According to the approval letter, the minimum export price for fragrant rice must be $1.60 per kilogram.

At an exchange rate of Tk 122 per US dollar, the minimum export price translates to approximately Tk 195 per kg.

Other key conditions include:

Exporters cannot exceed their approved quota.
All export documentation must be submitted to the Ministry of Commerce after shipment.
Export approvals are non-transferable.
Sub-contracting to other firms is strictly prohibited.

Under Bangladesh’s Export Policy Order, rice exports remain generally restricted. However, aromatic rice may be exported with special government approval.

Export Performance Over the Years

According to data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB):

FY 2019–20: $2.88 million earned
FY 2020–21: $2.06 million
FY 2021–22: $1.07 million
FY 2022–23: Export permission suspended

Bangladesh began exporting aromatic rice in FY 2009–10, shipping 663 metric tons in its first year. Exports steadily increased, reaching 10,879 metric tons in FY 2019–20.

Domestic production of aromatic rice stands at approximately 1.8 to 2 million tons annually, while average yearly exports hover around 10,000 tons.

Major Export Markets

Bangladeshi aromatic rice is exported to more than 130 countries, including:

United Kingdom
United States
United Arab Emirates
Malaysia
Singapore
Brunei
South Korea
Several European nations

Approved Aromatic Rice Varieties

The Ministry of Commerce maintains an approved export list that includes:

Kalijira, Kalijira TPL-62, Chinigura, Chini Atap, Chini Kanai, Badshabhog, Kataribhog, Madanbhog, Radhunipagol, Bashful, Jotabashful, Binnaphul, Tulsi Mala, Tulsi Atap, Tulsi Moni, Madhumala, Khorma, Sakkur Khorma, Nuniya, Pashushail, Dulabhog and others.

Multi-Ministry Oversight

The export of fragrant rice involves coordination among three ministries:

Ministry of Commerce
Ministry of Agriculture
Ministry of Food

Exporters must secure approval from the Food Planning and Monitoring Committee. Additionally, without a phytosanitary certificate from the Department of Agricultural Extension, shipments cannot proceed—even if Commerce Ministry approval is granted.

Outlook

The extension provides breathing room for exporters aiming to fulfill remaining quotas, particularly amid global demand for premium aromatic rice varieties. However, compliance with pricing and documentation conditions remains critical for sustaining export authorization.