The agriculture ministry reports that approximately 1.1 million metric tonnes of rice have been destroyed due to floods in Bangladesh.

The country experienced two major waves of floods in August and October, caused by heavy monsoon rains and torrential upstream runoff. These floods killed at least 75 people and affected millions of people, especially in the eastern and northern regions, where crop damage was most severe.

According to the agriculture ministry, the recent floods caused a significant decline in rice production. The government is taking quick action in response by importing 500,000 metric tonnes of rice and is likely to approve private sector imports soon, as stated by a food ministry official.

The temporary government, which assumed control in August because of violent protests that led former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to seek refuge in India, is facing challenges in stabilising the soaring food prices, which have increased by almost 20 percent in recent months.