By Ruma Paul

DHAKA (Reuters) – Floods in Bangladesh have destroyed an estimated 1.1 million metric tons of rice, according to data from the agriculture ministry, prompting the country to ramp up imports of the staple grain amid soaring food prices.

Floods brought by heavy monsoon rains and torrential upstream runoff struck the country in two major waves in August and October, claiming at least 75 lives and affecting millions, particularly in the eastern and northern regions where crop damage has been the most severe.

FILE PHOTO: People move on a tractor through a flooded street amid severe flooding in Feni, Bangladesh, on August 25, 2024. REUTERS/Mohammad Ponir Hossain/File Photo
© Thomson Reuters

The agriculture ministry said this year’s flooding has resulted in a substantial loss of rice production. In response, the government is moving quickly to import 500,000 tons of rice and is expected to permit private sector imports soon, a food ministry official said.

The interim government, which took power in August after deadly protests forced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee to India, has been struggling to stabilize food prices that have surged nearly 20% in recent months.

Higher imports by Bangladesh could lift shipments from neighbouring India, the top global rice exporter, which last month cut the duty on parboiled rice exports to 10%.

The floods have also severely impacted other agricultural products, including more than 200,000 tons of vegetables. Total nationwide agricultural losses due to the flooding are estimated at around 45 billion taka ($380 million).

Bangladesh, the world’s third-largest rice producer, typically produces nearly 40 million tons of rice a year to feed its population of 170 million. However, natural disasters often disrupt production and lead to increased dependency on imports.

The floods this year have underscored Bangladesh’s vulnerability to climate change. A 2015 World Bank Institute analysis estimated 3.5 million people in Bangladesh are at risk of annual river flooding, a risk scientists say is worsening due to global climate change.

“To ensure food security in the face of increasing climate challenges, it is essential to develop more flood- and drought-tolerant crop varieties, along with short-duration varieties,” said Khandakar Mohammad Iftekharuddaula, chief scientific officer at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute.

He said investing in agricultural research is crucial for developing these resilient crops.

“By focusing on flood- and drought-resistant traits, we can help farmers adapt to changing weather patterns and stabilize yields even in difficult conditions.”

($1 = 119.0000 taka)

(Reporting by Ruma Paul; Editing by Tom Hogue)

The Chief Security Officer, CSO to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Adeboyega Fasasi has been sacked.

According to Daily Nigerian, he was removed by the Director General of the State Security Service, Tosin Ajayi and replaced with Rasheed Atanda Lawal.

Lawal, a deputy director is undergoing a fellowship course at the National Institute for Security Studies.

Tinubu approved Mr Fasasi’s removal upon request of the DG to send him for a “strategic course” — the usual premise for removing a top security official around the president.

According to sources, Mr Lawal was due for promotion to the rank of director since July 2023, but his promotion was stood down by the former service management as he was not in the good books of the then DG.

“He is among the Deputy Directors that should have been promoted to Director since July 2023, but whose vacancies for promotion were given to their juniors like Koko, Milad and Fasasi because of favouritism,” said a source familiar with the development.

Mr Fasasi’s removal might not be unconnected with his alleged high-handedness and stepping on many influential toes around the president.

“Fasasi has stepped on so many toes. Even the president was not so much pleased with the way he coordinates the office,” said an inside source.

Insiders said it has become the tradition of the service to change the CSO to the President when a new DG of SSS is appointed.

“It has now become the tradition of the service for a new DG to redeploy a new CSO that he is comfortable to work with.

Adeboyega Fasasi

“The position of the CSO is highly strategic. The DG needs someone he actually trusts and comfortable with at that key position,” said the source.

The Former Governor of Imo State, Rt. Hon Emeka Ihedioha have congratulated his Ex-Fmr Governor Achike Udenwa he took to his Instagram post and wrote “On your 76th birthday, we celebrate you, our esteemed and humble leader, Chief Achike Udenwa (Onwa), former Governor of Imo State.

On behalf of my family and the entire Rebuild Imo Family, I extend heartfelt birthday wishes and express our deep gratitude for your exemplary leadership.

May the good Lord bless you with more years good health and wisdom as you continue to age gracefully Amen. “

ENI