TCB Plans to Integrate Smart Family Card with Other Government Service Cards

The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) is planning to integrate its Smart Family Card with other government service cards as part of a broader digital transformation initiative. The corporation also aims to introduce a Point of Sale (POS) system, expand digital services, and improve transparency and efficiency in the distribution of subsidized goods.

The plans were outlined on July 16 during a TCB performance review meeting held at the Ministry of Commerce, where Commerce Secretary Ataur Rahman Khan provided strategic directions for the organization's future operations.

Easier Access and Greater Transparency

Under the proposed digital transformation, Smart Family Card holders will be able to access their entitled products more conveniently while reducing opportunities for irregularities throughout the distribution process.

Addressing the meeting, Commerce Secretary Ataur Rahman Khan said:

"Since Bangladesh's independence, TCB has played an important role in supplying essential commodities to low-income and marginalized communities. However, to meet today's demands, the organization's procurement system must become more modern and data-driven."

He also emphasized that narrowing the gap between the government's official cost estimates and final contract prices would better reflect the efficiency and procurement capabilities of public institutions.

To improve pricing accuracy, he said future cost estimates would be prepared by analyzing:

• Domestic market conditions
• International commodity prices
• Price trends in neighboring countries
• Historical market data

AI to Support Procurement and Market Management

The Commerce Secretary also highlighted the importance of increasing competition in government procurement by encouraging more companies to participate in tenders, reducing monopolistic practices and ensuring better value for public funds.

He revealed that a concept note has already been prepared to introduce AI-powered analysis into market management and government procurement. A committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of Commerce, TCB, the Finance Division, and technology experts will be formed to develop recommendations for implementing the initiative.

Smart Family Card Integration

TCB Chairman Brigadier General Faisal Azad announced that the organization plans to integrate the Smart Family Card with other government-issued service cards to streamline public services.

He also said TCB intends to:

• Add more essential commodities to its subsidized product basket.
• Establish model stores in Dhaka, Rajshahi, and Barishal.
• Introduce a Point of Sale (POS) system, for which tenders have already been invited through the government's e-GP (Electronic Government Procurement) platform.

Once operational, the POS system will enable consumers to scan their Smart Family Cards for faster, more transparent transactions.

Purchase of Soap and Detergent Will Remain Optional

Officials also clarified that consumers purchasing TCB's subsidized products will not be required to buy additional items such as soap or detergent. The purchase of these products will remain entirely optional.

Toward a More Digital TCB

The meeting was attended by senior officials, including: Khadija Nazneen, Additional Secretary (WTO); Shibir Bichitra Barua, Additional Secretary (IIT)

Participants discussed plans for accelerating TCB's digital transformation, modernizing procurement systems, strengthening market management and supply chains, and ensuring a more equitable distribution of government benefits. Officials stressed the need to complete the Smart Family Card integration process as quickly as possible to bring TCB's services closer to citizens and improve overall service delivery.

//DBTech/DMO/SME/OR//