Khulna, Sept. 19 -- Government official and traders have expressed mixed reactions over the price hikes of rice in Khulna as both sides provide contradictory information.

However, low-income people are bearing the brunt of price hike as they struggle to meet their basic needs.

Despite bumper yields in the last Boro season and imports from outside the country, rice prices in Khulna have spiraled out of control, leaving consumers worried.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, Khulna produced 300,000 metric tonnes of Boro paddy this year, marking a bumper production.

The food department has also been selling rice under the Open Market Sale (OMS) programme five days a week across Khulna city's 31 wards, two municipalities...