Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin said that, instead of the paper-based system, the activities of the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will now be conducted through Smart Family Cards.
He made the comments on Wednesday morning (January 8) at the inauguration of the sales of TCB products at subsidized prices, exclusively through Smart Family Cards, for low-income families at the Dipikar Mor in Tejgaon, Begunbari.
The Trade Adviser mentioned that it was important to first acknowledge the chaos and corruption that had existed in the distribution of TCB products. This acknowledgment has been made, and steps are now being taken to eliminate these issues by digitalizing the process and promoting transparency.
Regarding the expansion of TCB’s operations, he said that TCB buys products worth a total of 12 thousand crore taka, with a government subsidy of 4,500 crore taka. Therefore, TCB is a large buyer. He expressed the desire to involve a greater number of traders in TCB’s purchasing operations. He added that if savings of around 1,000 crore taka could be achieved from purchasing products worth 12 thousand crore taka, TCB would be able to supply products to more beneficiaries at affordable prices.
He also stated that 6.3 million smart cards have already been distributed. Not only is the distribution process based on fairness, but the government also aims to make the purchasing process more transparent and participatory.
On the issue of temporary hoarding that is destabilizing the rice market, the adviser mentioned that the situation is being monitored and expected that the rice market will stabilize soon.
Regarding the potato market, he shared that, based on this year’s experience, the government will stockpile potatoes for the upcoming year. Potatoes—both imported and locally produced—will be stored in warehouses, and in the future, the government aims to keep potato prices under control.
A customer with a Smart Family Card will be able to buy 2 liters of cooking oil for 200 taka, 2 kilograms of lentils for 120 taka, and 1 kilogram of sugar for 70 taka.
In the event, TCB’s Chairman Brigadier General Md. Mustafa Iqbal also delivered a speech. Other officials, including newly appointed TCB Chairman Brigadier General Md. Faisal Azad, were present.
