Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashiruddin said that from now on, the activities of Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will be conducted through Smart Family Cards instead of paper systems.
He said this at the inauguration of TCB’s product sales program at subsidized prices among low-income families at Begunbari Dipikar More, Tejgaon on Wednesday (January 8, 2025) morning.
Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashiruddin said, first, it was necessary to acknowledge the anarchy and corruption that has occurred in the distribution of products of Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB). We have done that. To eliminate that, we are working to eliminate irregularities by digitizing it.
The Trade Advisor said, 6.3 million smart cards have already been distributed. We want to make not only the distribution program fair, but also the procurement program more transparent and participatory.
Regarding the expansion of TCB activities, he said, TCB purchases a total of 12,000 crore taka of products. The government subsidy is 4,500 crore taka. Therefore, TCB is a big buyer. We want to connect more traders to TCB’s purchasing activities. If we can save 1,000 crore taka from purchasing products worth 12,000 crore taka, we will be able to deliver TCB products to more beneficiaries at affordable prices.
Stating that there is no shortage of products in the market due to trade liberalization, the advisor said, the rice market is unstable due to temporary storage. Monitoring is being done. The rice market will come under control very soon.
Regarding the potato market, Sheikh Bashiruddin said, based on this year’s experience, potatoes will be stored by the government for next year. Initiatives are being taken to store potatoes in storage. Imported potatoes and potatoes produced in the country will be stored there. Potato prices will be under control in the future.
It is worth noting that a customer holding a Smart Family Card can buy 2 liters of edible oil for 200 taka, 2 kg of lentils for 120 taka and 1 kg of sugar for 70 taka.
Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) Chairman Brigadier General Md. Mustafa Iqbal spoke at the event. Newly appointed TCB Chairman Brigadier General Md. Faisal Azad was also present.
