India sends 16400 tonnes of rice to Bangladesh amid tensions

India sent a second consignment of rice to Bangladesh on Saturday, ignoring the recent deterioration of its relationship with the neighbouring nation following the ouster of former PM Sheikh Hasina on August 5 amid violent protests against her regime.

The consignement arrived in Bangladesh’s Mongla Port.

Two ships carrying 16,400 tonnes of rice reached the South Asian nation which is witnessing a massive political turmoil since last year.

The Panama-flagged vessel BMC Alpha arrived from India’s Dhamra Port carrying 7,700 tons of rice and anchored at the port’s No 7 mooring buoy, Dhaka Tribune reported.

At the same time, the Thailand-flagged MV Sea Forest anchored at the fairway buoy with 8,700 tons of rice from Kolkata Port,  reported the Bangladesh newspaper.

Siddiqur Rahman Jalal, manager of Mango Shipping Lines,  said the unloading process will take place on February 3.

The first consignment of rice arrived from India on January 20.

According to the Mongla Food Controller’s Office, Bangladesh is set to receive 300,000 tons of rice from India under the agreement, with 40% of it being unloaded at Mongla Port, while the rest will be handled at Chittagong Port, the newspaper reported.

 The relationship between India and Bangladesh has deteriorated ever since Hasina fled to New Delhi and the interim government came to power.

Following her escape,  Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) issued an arrest warrant against Hasina.

Dhaka, earlier, sent a diplomatic note to New Delhi seeking her extradition.

Tags: rice, India, Bangladesh