Chattogram:The government has initiated a special Open Market Sale (OMS) programme to enhance food security and reduce living expenses for workers in the ready-made garment (RMG) industry.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the programme allows each garment worker to purchase up to 10 kilograms of rice per month at the subsidized rate of Taka 30 per kilogram. The initiative was officially launched on Friday at 1000 am near Lucky Garments in North Kattali, Chattogram city.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah, Additional Commissioner (Development) Nusrat Sultana, Regional Food Controller GM Faruk Hossain Patwary, and District Food Controller Sheikh Riad Kamal Rony. The District Food Controller stated that truck-based rice sales have commenced across Chattogram city and district.
Rice distribution will occur from designated trucks every Friday, available from 1000 am to 1230 pm and 230 pm to 500 pm, continuing as long as supplies are available. To ensure the rice reaches legitimate workers, buyers must present their factory ID cards and sign the factory's master roll during purchase.
Currently, rice is being sold from trucks at ten locations throughout Chattogram city, including in front of Kulgaon School in Baluchara, near the Oxygen rail gate, and several other strategic points. The Ministry of Food and the Directorate of Food have established monitoring teams to ensure the programme's transparency and effective implementation. The Directorate of Food oversees the overall management of the initiative.