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

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.

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 BSS.

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. 

TCB plans to increase its daily truck-based sales operations by 70 vehicles, from 450 during the last Ramadan to 520 during the upcoming fasting month of the Muslims.

The expansion is expected to increase the number of beneficiaries from 34 lakh last year to 40 lakh this year, reaching an additional six lakh people.

He added that TCB might also increase the quantities of commodities supplied through the truck-based programme, although the final amounts had not yet been confirmed.

The expanded operation is intended to strengthen the availability of essential commodities at affordable prices during Ramadan, when household demand typically rises.�" BSS