Summary:
- The Bangladeshi government will sell rice at Tk 30 per kilogram under the OMS program for low-income families during Ramadan, starting February 1, 2025.
- The initiative will operate in 848 centers across 424 upazilas, distributing up to three metric tons of rice daily in most areas.
- Urban centers, including Dhaka and seven city corporations, will have 906 OMS centers selling one metric ton of rice daily, with two metric tons allocated for the Secretariat center.
- Eligible individuals can purchase up to 5 kilograms of rice each to ease financial strain during Ramadan.
The government of Bangladesh has announced a special initiative to sell rice at a subsidized rate of Tk 30 per kilogram ahead of Ramadan, aiming to support low-income families across the country. The program, under the Open Market Sale (OMS) scheme, will commence on February 1, 2025, and operate nationwide.
According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Food on January 28, the initiative will cover 848 distribution centers across 424 upazilas in 64 districts. Each eligible individual will be allowed to purchase up to 5 kilograms of rice at the subsidized price. The program is designed to alleviate financial strain on lower-income households during the holy month of Ramadan, a period typically marked by increased demand for essential commodities.
Under this scheme, 401 upazilas in 61 districts will receive three metric tons of rice daily at designated OMS centers. Additionally, 23 upazilas in three hill districts will distribute one metric ton of rice per day. Beyond rural areas, the program will extend to urban centers, including Dhaka and seven other city corporations. In these areas, rice will be sold at 906 centers, with each center distributing one metric ton daily. A higher allocation of two metric tons per day has been designated for the Secretariat center in Dhaka.
This initiative is part of broader government efforts to stabilize food prices and ensure affordability during Ramadan. Food Adviser Ali Imam Mazumder recently emphasized that the government is taking comprehensive measures to manage commodity prices during this period. These include importing significant quantities of rice from neighboring countries such as India and Myanmar and finalizing agreements with Vietnam and Pakistan. The government aims to import approximately 900,000 metric tons of rice in 2025 to bolster domestic supply and prevent price hikes.
The OMS program complements other food security measures, such as a food-friendly initiative targeting five million low-income individuals. Under this separate scheme, beneficiaries receive 30 kilograms of rice per month at an even lower price of Tk 15 per kilogram.
Officials have expressed optimism that these efforts will help maintain stable prices and ensure food availability for all segments of society during Ramadan. The subsidized rice distribution program reflects the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities and mitigating the economic pressures often associated with this time of year.
Source: Jamuna Tv
