In a significant development, the Commerce Minister of Bangladesh has announced that the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will introduce subsidized rates for rice, oil, sugar, and lentils, benefiting one crore family cardholders. This initiative marks the first time that rice will be sold at reduced prices alongside other essential items. Minister Munshi inaugurated the distribution of TCB products to cardholders for the month of June, with each recipient allowed to purchase five kilograms of rice. Traditionally, the TCB has supplied oil, sugar, lentils, gram, and dates at affordable prices during Ramadan to one crore families.
Starting next month, cardholders will also have access to subsidized rice. In addition, the cost of soybean oil has been lowered by Tk 10 per litre to align with international market prices, providing further advantages to TCB cardholders. The Commerce Minister acknowledged the challenges posed by global circumstances, which have led to increased prices of essential goods within the country. However, he emphasized that efforts are underway to mitigate the impact and maintain price control in the local market. During the one-month program, the designated 6,700 dealers across Bangladesh, including 1,100 in Dhaka, will facilitate the sale of these three commodities. Family cardholders are required to visit the allocated distributor’s stores to avail themselves of the offered products.