On the first day of onion import permits in Bangladesh, nine traders imported a total of 1,407 tons of onions through three land ports, namely Hili Land Port in Dinajpur, Sonamsjid Land Port in Chapainawabganj, and Bhomra Land Port in Satkhira. The onions were imported at an average price of 15.5 taka per kg, with customs data revealing prices ranging from 13 to 16 cents per kg per consignment. The importation of onions required permission from the Plant Protection Division, and the imported onions are yet to be available in the retail market.
However, importers have suggested that Indian onions may soon enter the Dhaka-Chittagong market. The cost of onions, including customs and taxes, is estimated to be around 19 taka per kg. The president of Hili Land Port Import-Export Group highlighted concerns about spoilage due to heat, suggesting a higher cost of 25-30 rupees per kg. From March 15 to June 4, no Indian onions were imported into the country’s market in support of local farmers.