Bangladesh has no registered or officially recognized rice variety called “Miniket,” yet rice is widely sold under that name in markets, according to an Amardesh report published on August 1, 2026. Officials from the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute and the Department of Agricultural Extension said the label is used commercially for rice from other varieties, often after polishing. The report also alleges that BRRI dhan-49 and other varieties are sold as Nazirshail.

The Food Ministry issued a circular on February 21, 2024 requiring rice sacks to list the actual paddy variety, production date, mill name and address, and mill-gate price. The circular cited inspections finding rice from the same paddy variety sold under different names and prices, misleading consumers. The report says the directive was not implemented and cites allegations of illegal transactions involving the former food minister and mill owners; no response was obtained from the accused.

The report alleges many mills polish rice by 15% to 20%, above the stated 5% to 7% limit, reducing nutritional value and weight. A Dinajpur mill owners’ representative rejected claims that Miniket does not exist and denied wrongdoing. Agricultural experts urged strict enforcement of the 2024 circular.