Following a closure lasting five and a half months, the government has permitted the importation of five tonnes of onions by five importing companies via the Hilli land port in Dinajpur. This decision aims to regulate onion prices in the domestic market. Concurrently, an Indian truck has crossed into Bangladesh carrying onions.

On Sunday (August 8) at 5 pm, a truck carrying 5 tonnes of onions belonging to Jagdish Chandra Roy entered Bangladesh. Rashed Ferdous, a representative of the Hilli C&F Agent Association, confirmed this information.

Yusuf Ali, the Deputy Assistant Officer at Hilli Land port, stated that the import of onions was sanctioned for the companies involved in honest trade, namely Nashat Traders, Al Mecca Impress, Suraiya Traders, and Jagdish Chandra Roy. Each company is allowed to import 5 tonnes of onions.

However, importers have expressed that the permission granted is insufficient. Nur Islam, one of the importers, remarked that the allowance of 5 tonnes is quite limited, equivalent to just one Indian truck. Previously, permits were issued for imports ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 tonnes.

In contrast, reports indicate that the price of onions has decreased. Just two days ago, onions were being sold at 5 rupees per kg, and they are now available for the same price.

According to sources from Hilli Customs, onions were imported through the port on March 7 of the previous year.