The prices of ration rice and wheat for officers and employees of 10 government institutions, including the Bangladesh Police and Armed Forces, have been raised by up to 800% effective from July 1. The Finance Ministry set the new prices at Tk11 per kg for rice and Tk12 per kg for wheat, based on 20% of their economic value. Previously, prices ranged from Tk1.09 to Tk1.80 per kg depending on the institution. This adjustment, the first since 1991, reflects economic values of Tk55,000 per tonne for rice and Tk60,000 per tonne for wheat, compared to Tk51,894.589 and Tk47,302.140 per tonne respectively in the previous fiscal year. Other ration items like sugar, lentils, and soybeans may also see price changes. The government allocates Tk7,360 crore for food subsidies in the upcoming fiscal year, aiming to reduce subsidy burdens while providing essential rations to employees. Policy Research Institute’s Executive Director supports the move, suggesting gradual phasing out of ration subsidies, limiting benefits to salaries and pensions for government employees.
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