Photo: Collected
Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin today said that from now on, the operations of the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will be conducted through Smart Family Cards instead of paper system. He said this while inaugurating the TCB's product sale operations at subsidized prices among low-income families through only smart family cards at Begunbari Dipikar Circle, Tejgaon in the capital today, said a Commerce Ministry press release.
The Commerce Adviser said that at first, it was necessary to acknowledge the anarchy and corruption that took place in the product distribution program of TCB in the past. "We've done that. To eliminate that, we're working to eliminate irregularities by digitizing it," he added.
The Commerce Advisor said that some 6.3 million smart cards have already been distributed. "Not only making the distribution process fair, but we also want to make the procurement process more transparent and participatory,"
Regarding the expansion of operations of TCB, he said that the TCB purchases commodities worth around Taka 12,000 crore where the government provides a subsidy of Taka 4,500 crore. Since TCB is a big buyer, the Commerce Adviser said that the government wants to involve more businessmen in TCB's procurement activities.
"If we can save Taka 1,000 crore from purchasing products worth Taka 12,000 crore, then we will be able to deliver TCB products to more beneficiaries at affordable prices," he added.
Mentioning that there is no shortage of products in the market due to trade liberalization, the Commerce Adviser said that the rice market is unstable to some extent due to temporary stockpiling.
The government has been ensuring strict monitoring for which the rice market will come under control very soon, he added. Regarding the potato market, Bashir said that based on this year's experience, potatoes will be stored officially for the next year.
"Initiatives are being taken to store potatoes in storage. Imported potatoes and produced potatoes in the country will be stored there. The prices of potatoes will be under control in the future," he added.
It is mentionable that a customer holding a Smart Family Card can buy 2 liters of edible oil at Taka 200, 2 kgs of lentils at Taka 120 and 1 kg of sugar at Taka 70. TCB Chairman Brigadier General Md Mostofa Iquebal and newly appointed TCB Chairman Md Faisal Azad were present among others.
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