The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will begin selling essential goods through truck sales in all 64 districts starting from Wednesday, announced Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin. The initiative aims to provide affordable products to low-income communities, with a focus on reaching one crore marginalized people. The program is already operational in six districts and will now expand to an additional 56 districts.

Speaking at a virtual meeting with district administrators on Sunday (March 2), Bashiruddin emphasized the importance of selecting genuine beneficiaries for the TCB’s social safety net programs. He urged district commissioners to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries receive smart cards by March 17.

The Commerce Adviser stated that 57 lakh beneficiaries will receive products through smart cards. Those who are yet to complete the smart card process but are on the list will also be eligible to purchase goods. Additionally, TCB will sell products to the general public through truck sales across all districts starting from March 5.

Bashiruddin warned against hoarding during the upcoming Ramadan and instructed district administrators to monitor the market closely. He advised encouraging consumers to avoid bulk purchases for the entire month or even a week, as such practices can lead to supply shortages and price hikes.

He stressed the importance of justice and fairness in the distribution process, stating, “We want to establish justice. No one will be wronged, but those who commit wrongdoing will not be spared.” He called on district administrators to use their full authority to prevent any form of injustice.

Highlighting the significance of selecting the right beneficiaries for social safety programs, Bashiruddin noted that this is the first step toward establishing social justice. He added that ensuring fairness in the process would increase the acceptance and respect of district administrators among the people.

The virtual meeting was attended by Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, Additional Secretary (Export) Md. Abdur Rahim Khan, TCB Chairman Brigadier General Mohammad Faisal Azad, divisional commissioners, and district administrators from all 64 districts.

The TCB’s initiative is part of a broader effort to stabilize the market and ensure the availability of essential goods at affordable prices, particularly for low-income households. The expansion of truck sales and the distribution of smart cards are expected to enhance access to essential commodities for millions of people across the country.

The Commerce Adviser’s call for vigilance against hoarding and price manipulation reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining market stability during Ramadan, a period when demand for essential goods typically surges. By encouraging consumers to avoid bulk purchases, the initiative aims to prevent artificial shortages and price inflation.

The TCB’s efforts to ensure fair distribution and accessibility of essential goods underscore the importance of social safety nets in addressing economic disparities. The involvement of district administrators in the selection of beneficiaries and the distribution process is crucial to the success of these programs.

As the TCB prepares to expand its operations, the focus remains on reaching the most vulnerable populations and ensuring that the benefits of social safety programs are distributed equitably. The initiative is expected to play a significant role in alleviating the economic challenges faced by low-income communities, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.

In conclusion, the TCB’s truck sales program and the distribution of smart cards represent a significant step toward ensuring social justice and economic stability. By prioritizing fairness and accessibility, the government aims to strengthen its social safety net and improve the lives of millions of people across Bangladesh.