Govt to sell beef for Tk600 per kg, eggs for Tk10 each from 10 March

The government will offer essential food items, including meat, eggs, rice, edible oil, onions, lentils and dates, at subsidised prices nationwide to support low-income individuals during the upcoming Ramadan.

Deputy commissioners (DCs) have received instructions from various ministries to ensure the programme's effective implementation and reach the intended beneficiaries.

Additionally, DCs are tasked with ensuring consumers benefit from the increased market supply generated by this initiative.

This directive follows discussions on the second day of the four-day DC conference on Monday, where representatives from 18 ministries, including at least six focused on maintaining market stability during Ramadan, met with DCs.

From 10 March, the government will sell beef, mutton, chicken, and eggs at discounted prices at 30 designated locations within Dhaka.

The Fisheries and Livestock Minister, Md Abdur Rahman, announced that beef will be sold at Tk600 per kg, mutton at Tk900 per kg, dressed broiler chicken at Tk280 per kg, and eggs at Tk10 each. This programme will continue until Eid-ul-Fitr.

Subsidised goods twice during Ramadan

The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will offer subsidised goods to one crore cardholder families twice during the upcoming Ramadan. 

Commerce State Minister Ahasanul Islam Titu emphasised smooth and efficient distribution, placing the responsibility with DCs.

Furthermore, TCB will update the list of eligible families, created in 2020 or later, within the next two months, the minister said.

Additionally, TCB is set to transition from truck sales to permanent shops nationwide within the same timeframe, aiming for improved monitoring of goods distribution.

The commerce ministry has also agreed to a proposal from DCs to update the Control of Essential Commodities Act, 1956, aiming to strengthen market surveillance during this period.

The minister reiterated the government's commitment to price control, ensuring no further hikes. Notably, edible oil will be sold at a fixed price of Tk163, representing a Tk10 reduction from its current price. DCs are tasked with increasing market surveillance, focusing on the supply chain of edible oil and identifying any potential obstacles.

Finally, the state minister expressed optimism regarding onion and sugar imports from India, anticipated to arrive before Ramadan. He mentioned that details about the timing and procedures will be received soon.

50 lakh families to get rice during Ramadan

The food ministry announced the distribution of 1.5 lakh tonnes of rice to 50 lakh families at Tk15 per kg under the Food Friendly Programme by 10 March in anticipation of Ramadan.

Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder believes this initiative will provide significant relief and stabilise market prices.

The minister also highlighted the success of anti-hoarding drives and emphasised ongoing efforts to ensure transparency. This includes requiring rice varieties to be clearly labelled on sacks and collaborating with mill owners to standardise rice quality.

Industry minister advises breaking fast with local fruits

Industry Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun has advised people to break their fast with local fruits instead of imported ones during Ramadan.

Highlighting the importance of resource optimisation he said, "We are not self-sufficient and have to import many things. Why not break your fast with jujube?"

He emphasised the abundance of locally available fruits as alternatives to imported choices.

Focus on implementing govt's goal

State Minister Shahiduzzaman Sarker urged the DCs to remember that the government's goal is not only political but also focused on development. 

Mentioning that the projects are usually taken from the government's ministries and divisions, the state minister said.

"Since the DCs work at the field level, I have informed them that they can also make recommendations if they have any regarding any public-friendly project," he added.

Campaign against polythene after Ramadan

Textiles and Jute Minister Jahangir Kabir Nanak said an anti-polythene campaign will be launched after Ramadan. The DCs have been instructed to cooperate in conducting the campaign.

He said businessmen will be consulted before the campaign so that they do not use polythene, which pollutes the environment. Besides, discussions will be held with the owners of jute mills, flour mills, and others on the use of jute bags.

He further said the DCs will work to reduce the number of middlemen in the sale and purchase of jute. Necessary steps will be taken to ensure that farmers get a fair price.

River committees to meet once a year

Shipping Minister Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury instructed the DCs to hold at least one annual meeting for river protection committees at the district and upazila levels. 

Committees will also be formed in districts where they don't exist yet, as rivers are crucial for the environment and climate.

He added that project directors oversee project implementation, but the district administration now also has the responsibility to oversee projects. Their opinion will be sought before starting new projects to prevent complications, such as land acquisition issues, during implementation.

Regarding the Teesta River, the government is actively working on it, and the prime minister has committed to implementing the Teesta Master Plan.

Intercity trains to increase from next year

Railways Minister Zillul Hakim said the number and manpower of intercity trains will be increased from next year once the shortage of rail coaches and engines is over.

The minister said the government has a plan to bring the whole country under rail connectivity.

He said they are planning to divide the country rail network into four zones to improve services. 

4 more big bridges proposed 

Bridges Secretary Md Monjur Hossain said DCs proposed the construction of four large bridges at the conference. 

One proposal is for a bridge over the Betnagi River in Barguna, and the other three are for bridges over the Bahadurbad-Balashi River in Mymensingh, the Rajbari-Paturia River, and a bridge connecting Cox's Bazar-Maheshkhali.

The minister said these four bridges are part of the government's plan to be implemented by 2050, and they will be executed gradually.