TCB targets 6 lakh additional beneficiaries, plans extra imports for Ramadan

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The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) plans to operate 520 trucks daily across the country during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan, up from 450 trucks last year, to expand access of essential commodities at affordable prices to common people, reports BSS.

The state-run corporation is also preparing to import additional quantities of edible oil, pulses and sugar for open-market sales (OMS), enabling consumers without TCB smart cards to benefit from the government's Ramadan supply programme.

TCB Chairman Brigadier General Mohammad Foyshol Azad said preparations were underway to ensure an adequate supply of essential commodities during the holy month.

“We have a procurement plan for Ramadan, and we are proceeding according to that plan. We do not anticipate any problem with TCB's regular supplies for the month,” he said while talking to the media.

Azad said the government was considering additional sales beyond the regular smart-card distribution programme to reach a wider section of consumers.

“We are preparing to sell essential commodities through open-market sales so that consumers who do not hold TCB cards can also benefit,” he said.

As part of the preparations, TCB has contacted foreign suppliers to import additional quantities of edible oil, pulses and sugar and has floated tenders for some procurement arrangements.

The proposed imports will be in addition to the corporation's regular procurement for Ramadan.

Asked about the quantities to be imported, the chairman said the final amounts had yet to be determined because of time constraints.

“The government has this plan, and we have undertaken the necessary preparatory steps. However, we cannot confirm the final quantities until the procurement arrangements become clearer,” he said.