The government has resumed the Open Market Sale (OMS) of rice and flour in Naogaon to stabilise food prices and ease pressure on low-income families.
The initiative was launched on Monday morning at Tajer Mor, adjacent to the Deaf School, by Naogaon Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Abdul Awal.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ibnul Abedin, Acting Assistant District Food Controller Aminul Kabir, Upazila Food Officer Golam Mawla and other officials from the district administration and food department.
Under the programme, rice is being sold at Tk 30 per kg and flour at Tk 24 per kg. The sale will continue daily (except Fridays and Saturdays) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Each consumer is allowed to purchase up to 5 kg of rice and 5 kg of flour. A total of 12 dealers are operating across 12 points in the municipal area, distributing 9 metric tons of food products per day.
Due to repeated price hikes and prolonged suspension of OMS services, many families had been struggling to afford essential food items. The resumption of this food-friendly initiative has brought visible relief. On the opening day, crowds thronged the sales points.
“We are poor. The market price of rice is too high. This subsidised sale is a huge relief,” said Monjuara, a local housewife. She urged the government to keep the programme running throughout the year.
Deputy Commissioner Awal assured that strict action would be taken against any dealer involved in irregularities or corruption in the OMS process.
