Daily Sun Report, Dhaka

The government has launched open market rice sales under its Food-Friendly Programme to strengthen food security for low-income households and help stabilise market prices.

In a statement issued on Monday (3 August), the Ministry of Food said that 5.5 million cardholder families across the country will receive 30 kilograms of rice per month at a subsidised price of Tk15 per kilogram for six months each year.

The programme was launched simultaneously in 495 upazilas on 1 August. Rice will be distributed during two annual phases—from August to November and from March to April—to support vulnerable families during seasonal periods of reduced employment.

The ministry said the initiative also aims to improve nutrition among low-income groups, particularly women and children. Around 2.53 million beneficiary families in 248 upazilas are receiving fortified rice, while approximately 2.97 million families in the remaining 247 upazilas are being provided with regular rice.

Alongside the Food-Friendly Programme, the government is continuing its Open Market Sale (OMS) operations nationwide to keep essential food items affordable. Rice and flour are being sold through 1,108 distribution centres and mobile trucks across the country.

The ministry also assured that the country has sufficient public food grain stocks. As of 2 August, government reserves stood at 2.349 million metric tonnes, comprising 1.966 million metric tonnes of rice, 280,010 metric tonnes of wheat and the equivalent of 152,109 metric tonnes of paddy.

It added that government procurement of paddy and rice is continuing, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening the social safety net, ensuring food security and safeguarding public welfare.

Published Date: August 3, 2026