DHAKA, May 3: Bangladesh garment manufacturers on Saturday said they would distribute subsidised rice to thousands of lowest-paid workers to help them cope with skyrocketing food prices.

The announcement came after around 20,000 textile workers rioted in one of the main garment-making areas near Dhaka last month, demanding relief from soaring rice prices and better pay.

Under the scheme, a worker will get four kilograms of rice a week from subsidised outlets in the country’s main garment hubs, said president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Fazlul Haq.

“We know how much they have been affected by soaring rice. It’s a huge crisis. Our outlets will sell rice at least 30 per cent less than the market price,” Haq told AFP.

“The cheap food is part of our initiative to help them in this time of need,” he said.

Bangladesh’s garment industry is crucial for the economy as the leading export earner and factory owners have said they fear labour unrest over food costs could hit production.

The subsidised food scheme, slated to start on Monday, would be targeted at the garment workers who are being paid the country’s minimum wage and would help at least 200,000, said Haq, whose association represents 1,500 factories.

There are about 2.5 million textile workers in Bangladesh. The government-set minimum monthly wage stands 1,662.62 taka ($25). One kilogram of rice now costs 35 taka (50 cents) – normally enough to feed a family of four for one day.—AFP

Opinion

Editorial

China security ties
Updated 14 Nov, 2024

China security ties

If China's security concerns aren't addressed satisfactorily, it may affect bilateral ties. CT cooperation should be pursued instead of having foreign forces here.
Steep price
14 Nov, 2024

Steep price

THE Hindu Kush-Himalayan region is in big trouble. A new study unveiled at the ongoing COP29 reveals that if high...
A high-cost plan
14 Nov, 2024

A high-cost plan

THE government has approved an expensive plan for FBR in the hope of tackling its deep-seated inefficiencies. The...
United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

Unusual IMF visit shows the lender will closely watch implementation of programme goals to prevent it from derailing.
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

Bara’s brave women have proven that with the right support, societal barriers can be overcome.