Dhaka:A special Open Market Sale (OMS) programme commenced today to alleviate food expenses for readymade garment (RMG) workers, offering rice at affordable prices.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the programme allows each RMG worker to purchase up to 10 kilogrammes of rice per month at Tk 30 per kg. This initiative is part of the BNP's election manifesto, aimed at providing social protection and making essential food items more accessible to marginalised and low-income groups.
On the programme's first day, RMG workers arrived at designated truck-sale points early in the morning. They were able to purchase rice in an orderly manner by presenting their factory identity cards and signing the master rolls. The government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, prioritizes reducing living costs for low-income citizens, with this programme being a significant step in that direction.
The programme initially operates through 66 truck-sale points across Dhaka metropolitan city, Savar, Dhamrai, Gazipur, Narayanganj, and Chattogram. A total of 330 tonnes of rice will be sold weekly on Fridays, with each truck distributing five tonnes. The Ministry of Food oversees the programme's implementation, ensuring transparency and accountability through monitoring teams and assigned officers at each truck.
The rice sales are conducted in two shifts every Friday, from 1000 am to 1230 pm and 230 pm to 500 pm, contingent on stock availability. The Ministry of Food expects the programme to significantly reduce food expenses for RMG workers and enhance their food security.