On 14 September 2023, the Commerce Minister announced that ten million family cards issued by The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will be transformed into smart cards and distributed by January 2024. He anticipates that these smart cards will be distributed in October, with the conversion process currently in its final stages. Minister made this declaration while inaugurating the sale of TCB products, including rice at subsidized prices, to approximately one crore family cardholders at the Indira Road Krira Chakra ground in Dhaka’s Khamarbari.
The minister also addressed the global economic context, noting that the prices of essential goods like oil, sugar, and other imports have risen in all countries. This surge in international prices has naturally led to price increases in the local market. Given the heavy reliance on imports of items such as edible oil, sugar, and lentils, it has become imperative to adjust their prices in accordance with fluctuations in the global market. When questioned about the possibility of increasing the number of TCB cards, the Minister responded that they would consider expansion if there was a demonstrated need. However, for now, the aim is to maintain the card count at one crore. Minister emphasized that ten million family cards would translate to approximately 50 million beneficiaries, assuming an average family size of five individuals per cardholder.
Source for more details:
