Starting August 1, nearly 5.5 million families across 495 upazilas including Atrai receive 30 kg subsidised rice monthly as rice prices rise to Tk 50-72 per kg.
The Ministry of Food launched the latest phase of the Food-Friendly Program on August 1, 2026, across 495 upazilas including Atrai Upazila in Naogaon District. Under the expanded scheme, nearly 5.5 million cardholder families will receive 30 kilograms of rice every month at subsidised prices to ease the burden of rising food costs.
The program comes as rice prices continue to rise in markets across Bangladesh. Premium-quality rice is currently selling at nearly Tk 72 per kilogram, up from Tk 70 a week earlier, while coarse rice has increased from Tk 48 to Tk 50 per kilogram. Traders attribute the price increases to higher paddy procurement costs, flood damage to standing crops and Aman seedbeds, and uncertainty over rice imports.
Despite market pressures, Bangladesh currently maintains comfortable government rice reserves. As of August 2, 2026, the country held approximately 2.349 million metric tonnes of grain stocks, including 1.966 million metric tonnes of rice, 280,010 metric tonnes of wheat, and 152,109 metric tonnes of paddy. Authorities are also procuring paddy and wheat directly from farmers to boost domestic food supplies.
The government's subsidised rice distribution aims to provide relief particularly to low- and middle-income households struggling with increased food expenses. Experts warn that without strengthened market monitoring, speculation and hoarding could trigger further price increases despite adequate market supplies.