Bangladesh has begun distributing rice at Tk15 per kilogram under its food-friendly programme to support food security for low-income people. Starting on August 1, 5.5 million cardholding families in 495 upazilas are receiving the benefit. Each eligible family can collect 30 kilograms of rice per month.

A government notice said beneficiaries will receive rice for six months each year: August, September, October, November, and March and April of the following year. Fortified rice is being distributed to about 2.529 million beneficiaries in 248 upazilas to address malnutrition and improve nutrition among women and children. Regular rice is being distributed to 2.971 million beneficiaries in 247 upazilas.

Rice and flour sales also continue under the Open Market Sale programme through 1,108 outlets and trucks nationwide. As of August 2, government warehouses held 2,349,385 metric tonnes of food grains, including 1,966,148 tonnes of rice, 280,010 tonnes of wheat and 152,109 tonnes of paddy in rice-equivalent terms. The Food Ministry said the government remains committed to food security, reducing malnutrition and expanding social protection programmes.