OMS of rice, atta to remain closed for four days

FE Report The Open Market Sale (OMS) of rice and atta (flour) will remain closed from today (Sunday) for four days on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. The programme will, however, resume on November 10, officials of the ministry concerned said Saturday. Food and Disaster Management Minister Dr Mohammad Abdur Razzaque, after visiting different OMS outlets in the capital on the day, told the media that the government will also consider extension of the OMS programme in the country to facilitate the limited income group of people. He said the government will increase the amount of atta and the number of trucks to 250 from the existing around 200 after the Eid following the increasing demand from the consumers. Dr Razzaque said about 77,000 tonnes of rice has been allocated under Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) on the occasion of Eid. About 7.7 million families will get the rice. Each of the family will get 10 kg of rice free of cost. He said about 77,000 tonnes of rice has also been allocated for selling through fare price cards while about 2,800 tonnes of rice has been allocated for 140,000 fourth class government employees. Each family would be able to buy 20 kg of rice. The price of per kg of rice is Tk 10. While visiting the outlets the food minister inquired about the quality of OMS rice. He also asked the consumers whether they get proper weight of the commodities from the dealers. The minister visited OMS outlets at Panthapath, Shyamoly Link Road, Rayerbazar Memorial Monument, Nababganj Park, Kamrangir Char and Loharpool in the city.