Digital Transformation Expected to Save Up to BDT 350 Crore; 5.9 Million Ineligible Names Removed
TCB Launches AI Monitoring and 'Opokari' App to Modernize Subsidized Goods Distribution
- TCB rolls out AI-driven real-time monitoring, encrypted 'Opokari' app, and All-in-One POS systems
- Verification of National ID and mobile numbers removes 5.9 million fake or duplicate applicants
- Digital transparency projected to trim government subsidy costs by BDT 300 to 350 crore this fiscal year
The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) has launched a comprehensive digital transformation initiative aimed at elevating transparency, curbing leakages, and ensuring seamless distribution of subsidized essential commodities to low-income households. The rollout features AI-based real-time oversight, an encrypted 'Opokari' mobile application, digital dealer management, and All-in-One POS terminals. Commerce, Industry, and Textiles & Jute Minister Khondokar Abdul Muktadir officially inaugurated the digital suite at the TCB conference room on Thursday (September 17).
Addressing the ceremony as the chief guest, the Commerce Minister highlighted that supply chain gaps often create unwarranted price hikes between production and retail hubs. He noted that integrating technology will ensure direct subsidy delivery to genuine beneficiaries, while cutting unnecessary expenditures to save an estimated BDT 300 to 350 crore in government subsidies in the current fiscal year. Through rigorous screening using NID and mobile databases, 5.9 million ineligible applicants were identified and removed, establishing a verified database of 7.9 million beneficiary households.
Under the new tech framework, the 'Opokari' app uses digitally signed QR codes, enabling beneficiaries to receive goods smoothly even if physical cards are lost. The All-in-One POS devices will handle instant sales receipts, biometric validation, and digital payment collections. To eradicate nepotism in dealership distribution, a digital lottery-based Online Dealer Management System is being introduced. Furthermore, AI monitoring will track localized sales volumes and automatically flag real-time discrepancies to central authorities.
The event featured Engineer Khaled Hossain Mahbub Shyamal, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Commerce, and Commerce Secretary Md. Ataur Rahman Khan as special guests. TCB Chairman Brigadier General Mohammad Forsal Azad presided over the ceremony, joined by senior ministry officials and media representatives.
//DBTech/DPO/SME/MIST//
