The government has moved to introduce ration facilities for all officers and employees serving in government institutions under Grades 12 to 20 in response to rising commodity prices and the increasing cost of living. The government believes that introducing ration facilities will reduce employees' mental stress, ease daily life, and help them focus better on their work.
Approval and Implementation
The proposal to provide ration benefits has received consent from the Finance Division and the Cabinet Division. In June, the Cabinet Division sent a letter to the Finance Division Secretary, directing it to take effective steps in this regard. The Cabinet Division has also instructed secretaries of the implementing ministries to hold meetings and present progress updates. The Finance Division has been asked to inform the Cabinet Division whether the proposal can be implemented in the short, medium, or long term through progress reports submitted after quarterly meetings and by the 10th of each month.
Background and Proposal
Against the backdrop of rising inflation and increasing living costs in the country, the Deputy Commissioner of Pirojpur proposed introducing ration facilities for government employees in Grades 12 to 20. This proposal was put forward during the Deputy Commissioners' Conference held on May 3. The Deputy Commissioner of Pirojpur noted that due to price hikes and various expenses, the cost of living has become exorbitant, leading to increased mental stress from debts and loans. This is causing disruptions in duty performance. The proposal suggested that providing ration benefits to employees in Grades 12 to 20 could be considered.
Expert Opinions
Public administration expert and former Additional Secretary of the Government of Bangladesh Firoz Mia has welcomed this initiative to bring Grade 12-20 officers and employees under ration benefits. He told BSS, "The proposal to provide ration benefits is positive. It is a timely decision. Due to rising commodity prices and increased living costs, the livelihood of government officers and employees has become quite difficult. Moreover, many cite the lack of government benefits as an excuse for engaging in corruption. Introducing ration facilities would help control such issues." He added, "However, the government must manage the ration distribution process very cautiously. If irregularities occur or the right people do not receive rations, it would be counterproductive."
Current Ration Facilities
In Bangladesh, employees working in 10 privileged institutions receive ration facilities at government-fixed subsidized rates. These institutions are: Military Forces (Army, Navy, and Air Force); Bangladesh Police; Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB); Ansar and Village Defence Forces; Prison Directorate; Fire Service and Civil Defence Directorate; National Security Intelligence (NSI); Special Security Force (SSF); Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC); Department of Narcotics Control. For a family of four in the police force, the typical monthly ration allocation is 20 kg of rice, 20 kg of flour, 2 kg of lentils, 4.5 liters of soybean oil, and 2 kg of sugar.
Historical Context
Earlier, during the interim government period, employees had protested, demanding rations and various allowances. At that time, Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumder had supported the ration proposal and sent a letter to the Finance Division. Since then, the proposal has been under discussion at the policy-making level.
