The Ministry of Food said distribution of rice at Tk 15 per kg under the Khaddya Bondhob programme began on 1 August to support food security and help low-income households during periods of joblessness.
Under the programme, 5.5 million cardholder families in 495 upazilas can receive 30 kg of rice per month for six months, covering August, September, October, November, and the following March and April.
The ministry said about 2.529 million beneficiaries in 248 upazilas are receiving fortified rice, while about 2.971 million beneficiaries in 247 upazilas are receiving ordinary rice, with attention to improving nutrition among women and children.
Rice and flour sales under the Open Market Sale programme continue at 1,108 centres, including shops and trucks, across the country.
According to the ministry, total food grain reserves stood at 2,349,385 metric tonnes as of 2 August, comprising 1,966,148 tonnes of rice, 280,010 tonnes of wheat, and 152,109 tonnes of paddy in rice-equivalent terms.
The ministry described current food grain stocks as satisfactory and higher than at any previous time, and said procurement of food grains remains under way.
It also said the government is committed to ensuring food security, reducing malnutrition, and making social safety-net programmes more effective and wider in scope.