Dhaka, March 2 -- For the first time since independence, a cargo vessel from Pakistan carrying rice is set to reach Monga seaport this week.

The Pakistan fagged-carrier vessel-loaded with 25 metric tonnes (MT) of rice left Karachi Qasim port a few days back and is expected to anchor at Chittagong port within two or three days, as per a UNB report.

After unloading 60 percent of rice there, the vessel with the remaining quantity of rice will move towards Mongla, said sources.

A Government to Government (G2G) deal between Bangladesh and Pakistan was inked at the beginning of the last month to import 50 MT of Basmati rice through Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP).

As per the deal, first consignment of the rice is on its way to Banglad...