Manikganj  Correspondent

Food Minister Afroza Khanam, MP, inaugurated Open Market Sale (OMS) truck cell operations for subsidized rice and flour and launched three road maintenance and development projects totaling Tk 9.11 crore in Manikganj on Sunday.

The Food Minister kicked off the OMS truck sale operations in the Manikganj Sadar Municipality area on Sunday afternoon to ensure the availability of subsidized essentials for low-income populations across five designated points in the town.

Following the OMS launch, the minister inaugurated three vital road construction and maintenance projects in Manikganj Sadar Upazila, participating in special prayers to mark the occasions. The development works encompass a 3.4-kilometer section of the Betila-Mitra Dhaleshwari Bridge via Mokimpur GPS and JK High School road at a cost of Tk 5.25 crore; a 1.4-kilometer stretch from the Pubail Union Parishad to Syedpur Ferryghat costing Tk 2 crore; and a 1.45-kilometer road from the residence of Ismail at Bengroi to Makai Ghoshbari valued at Tk 1.86 crore. The cumulative expenditure for the three infrastructural projects stands at Tk 9.11 crore, which is expected to ease local commuter travel, streamline agricultural logistics, and bolster regional economic activity.

Addressing the inauguration, Minister Afroza Khanam stressed the importance of structural integrity and quality control. "Public funds are the people's money.

 Therefore, the quality of every development project must be strictly maintained. Citizens must remain vigilant and report any irregularities or discrepancies to the relevant authorities. 

Earlier in the day, the food minister inaugurated the National Youth Day celebrations by hoisting the national flag at the district office premises of the Department of Youth Development in Ghior upazila. 

Chief guest at the subsequent discussion session, the minister described the youth as the nation's primary driving force. 

The youth day program was presided over by Manikganj Deputy Commissioner Nazmun Ara Sultana, with Manikganj Superintendent of Police Mohammad Sarwar Alam and Civil Surgeon Dr. Ivy attending as special guests. Department of Youth Development Deputy Director Dr. Md. Shahidullah Islam delivered the welcome address, in the presence of district officials, local entrepreneurs, trainees, and journalists.