The interim government has identified corruption in distributing TCB family cards for subsidized commodities, with many cards issued under false pretenses to ineligible individuals, Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin revealed. The TCB, serving 1 crore families, has 57 lakh smart card beneficiaries but operates under capacity due to neglect. Efforts are underway to strengthen TCB’s operations, including direct goods imports.
Despite annual subsidies of Tk 4,500 crore, TCB’s expenditures reach Tk 11,500 crore. At the ERF-Pran-RFL Media Awards, experts highlighted potential opportunities for Bangladesh from US-China trade tensions, urging competitiveness to boost exports and attract foreign investment. Agricultural exports, currently at $1 billion, were noted as a key growth area. Additionally, declining domestic commodity prices and concerns about misinformation in reporting were discussed. The event honored 10 journalists for excellence in agriculture reporting.