OMS truck sales launched at five points in Manikganj

Food Minister Afroza Khanam on Sunday launched subsidised open market sale (OMS) of rice and flour at five locations in Manikganj town to help low-income families buy essential food items at affordable prices. She also inaugurated development and maintenance work on three roads in Manikganj Sadar upazila, involving a total estimated cost of Tk9.11 crore.

The minister inaugurated the OMS truck sales programme at Manikganj Sadar Municipality in the afternoon. Under the initiative, rice and flour will be sold at government-fixed prices at five designated points across the town.

Later, she inaugurated development and maintenance work on three important roads in the upazila.

The projects include a 3.4-kilometre stretch of the Betila-Mitra Dhaleshwari Bridge via Mokimpur GPS and JK High School road, costing Tk5.25 crore; a 1.4-kilometre road from Pubail Union Parishad to Saidpur Ferry Ghat, costing Tk2 crore; and a 1.45-kilometre road from Bengroi Ismail's house to Makai Ghosh's house, costing Tk1.86 crore.

The three projects have a combined estimated cost of Tk9.11 crore.

The improved roads are expected to ease local communication, make it easier to transport agricultural produce and support trade, business and economic activities in the area.

Emphasising the need to maintain quality and durability, Afroza Khanam said public money must be spent responsibly and all development projects must meet the required construction standards.

“Public money is people's money. Therefore, the quality of every development project must be ensured,” she said, urging local residents to keep an eye on the work and ensure it was being carried out properly.

She asked residents to report any irregularities or poor-quality work to the relevant authorities, stressing that development projects must be sustainable and serve the public interest.

The minister said the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was prioritising food security through subsidised OMS sales of rice and flour, alongside efforts to improve and maintain road connectivity.

Earlier in the morning, Afroza Khanam inaugurated National Youth Day celebrations at the district office of the Department of Youth Development in the Joka area of Ghior upazila by hoisting the national flag.

She later joined a colourful rally and visited stalls set up by young entrepreneurs, where she exchanged views with them about their initiatives and products.

Addressing a discussion meeting marking National Youth Day, the minister said young people were the country's greatest strength and that their talent, skills, creativity and productivity could help transform Bangladesh into a prosperous nation.

She urged young people to make the most of their time by developing their skills through training and practical experience rather than letting valuable opportunities go to waste.

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Afroza Khanam said the government was working to expand employment and self-employment opportunities for young people through various forms of support, including loans and grants to encourage entrepreneurship.

She also encouraged young people to use artificial intelligence (AI) and modern technology positively and creatively, and to pursue long-term success with honesty, patience and perseverance.

Manikganj Deputy Commissioner Nazmun Ara Sultana chaired the discussion, attended by Superintendent of Police Mohammad Sarwar Alam and Civil Surgeon Dr Ivy as special guests.

Deputy Director of the Department of Youth Development in Manikganj Dr Md Shahidul Islam delivered the welcome address.

Officials from the district administration, police and other government departments, along with young entrepreneurs, trainees, journalists and local dignitaries, attended the programme.