The government is undertaking a series of measures to ensure transparency, accountability and effective oversight in the country's essential commodities market, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said Monday.
The government has initiated strategic reserve building, AI-powered supply chain monitoring and enhanced TCB capacity to prevent any form of syndication or market manipulation in the daily commodities sector, said the minister at the inauguration of the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh's (TCB) truck sale programme ahead of Eid-ul-Azha at Agargaon in the captial.
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“No syndicate or market manipulation will be allowed to take hold in the essential commodities market. Strategic reserves, artificial intelligence-based supply chain surveillance and a stronger TCB are our instruments to ensure that,” the minister said.
He said the government's primary goal is to ensure subsidised essential food items reach low-income, lower-middle-income and marginalised communities across the country.
TCB regularly sells goods at subsidised rates nationwide, with special truck sale drives during major festivals.
Muktadir said approximately 2.28 crore beneficiaries received subsidised food during the last Ramadan, a figure now being expanded to about 2.88 crore.
Similarly, food supply through TCB during last year's Eid-ul-Azha stood at around 10,900 tonnes, which has been raised to approximately 14,000 tonnes this year, an increase of nearly 40 percent.
“Whenever there is an unusual market situation, a festival or abnormal price pressure, the government will activate TCB truck sales as needed. We are always prepared to ensure food security for people,” he said.
On beneficiary verification, the minister disclosed that around 59 lakh of the one crore beneficiaries on the previous list were found to be questionable.
Following thorough verification, 80 lakh genuine beneficiaries have been selected through a transparent process, with a further 20 lakh families to be included in phases.
He added that new policies are being formulated to ensure transparency in TCB dealer appointments. “TCB is being transformed into a fully unquestionable, accountable and technology-driven institution.”
He also expressed the government's intent to build a broader, partnership-based market ecosystem that allows more entrepreneurs to participate in the essential commodities sector and fosters healthy competition. “This government is firmly committed to establishing effective market oversight and control in the interest of the people. Our goal is a market that is transparent, stable and free from manipulation.”
Commerce Secretary (Current Charge) Md Abdur Rahim Khan spoke as a special guest, while TCB Chairman Brigadier General Mohammad Faisal Azad delivered the welcome address.
The minister formally opened the truck sale drive by selling TCB products to buyers at fair prices.