DCs directed to ensure smooth food grain distribution in Ramadan

During the holy month of Ramadan, food grains will be distributed at highly affordable prices, and in some cases, for free. Deputy Commissioners (DCs) have been directed to ensure that these activities are carried out in an organised manner.

Food and Land Ministries’ Adviser, Ali Imam Majumder, made the remarks after the first session of the second day of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) conference on food and land ministry issues on Monday.

Following the session, he stated that nearly 700,000 tons of food grains will be distributed in March and April. Of this, 300,000 tons of rice will be provided under the Food-Friendly Programme over the two months, with 150,000 tons distributed each month. This will benefit 5 million families, each receiving 30 kg of rice at a price of Tk 15 per kg.

He further mentioned that an additional 100,000 tons of rice will be distributed through the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) over the two months. Another 100,000 tons will be distributed through the Open Market Sale (OMS) programme. Additionally, during Eid, 10 kg of rice will be given for free to 10 million families. Other initiatives are also planned.

“These rice distributions will significantly help in controlling market prices. While the distribution will be managed by various authorities, the primary supervision will be handled by the DCs. In the past, these activities in the Dhaka Metropolitan area were not closely monitored. We have given special instructions to the relevant authorities in Dhaka to strictly supervise the process,” he said.

The adviser also mentioned that he held a separate meeting with the Commissioner of Dhaka Division and will meet again. He instructed that the 122 sales centers and 70 mobile sales trucks in the division, apart from the TCB, should be monitored by magistrates if necessary.

The Secretaries of the Ministry of Food and Land, along with other senior officials from both ministries, were present during this time.