Smart Cards Revolutionize TCB Subsidized Goods Distribution
Launch of Smart Card-Based Distribution
The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) has officially launched the sale of subsidized goods through smart cards, starting Wednesday. As part of the initiative, 6.3 million individuals have received their smart family cards, with plans to extend the program to a total of 10 million cardholders nationwide.
At a launch event held at Begunbari Dipika Mor in Tejgaon, Dhaka, low-income cardholders were able to purchase up to 2 liters of edible oil (soybean or rice bran) at Tk 100 per liter, 2 kilograms of lentils at Tk 60 per kilogram, and 1 kilogram of sugar at Tk 70. The program was inaugurated by Commerce Advisor Sheikh Bashiruddin, alongside TCB Chairman Brigadier General Md. Mostafa Iqbal and newly appointed Chairman Brigadier General Md. Faisal Azad.
Addressing Challenges and Ensuring Transparency
Speaking at the event, Sheikh Bashiruddin stated that TCB’s operations will now be conducted through smart family cards instead of the previous paper-based system. He acknowledged past issues of mismanagement and exploitation in TCB’s distribution program and highlighted efforts to eliminate irregularities by digitalizing the process.
The commerce advisor said, “We have already distributed 6.3 million smart cards. We aim not only to ensure fairness in distribution but also to make procurement more transparent and inclusive.”
Stabilizing the Market and Enhancing TCB Operations
Bashiruddin emphasized that liberalized trade policies have ensured no shortage of essential commodities in the market. Commenting on the instability in the rice market caused by temporary hoarding, he assured that monitoring efforts are underway and expressed optimism that the situation will stabilize soon.
Regarding TCB’s operations, he stated that the corporation purchases products worth Tk 12,000 crore annually, with Tk 4,500 crore provided as government subsidies. He highlighted plans to involve more traders in TCB’s procurement process to achieve greater efficiency. “If we can save Tk 1,000 crore from the Tk 12,000 crore procurement, we will be able to provide subsidized goods to more beneficiaries,” he added.P
Plans for Potato Storage and Price Control
The advisor also addressed the volatility in the potato market, stating that based on this year’s experience, the government plans to store potatoes in reserve next year. Both imported and locally produced potatoes will be preserved in cold storage to ensure price stability.
He reiterated ongoing monitoring efforts for the rice market and expressed hope that prices would soon be brought under control.
