Increase supply of goods in TCB trucks

The purpose of the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) is to maintain market stability and provide essential goods at fair prices to the general and lower-income people by storing some essential commodities and selling them during emergencies. Initially, TCB's supply of goods was quite sufficient. However, over time, while the queues of buyers have grown longer, the supply of goods on the trucks has been decreasing.

According to a report published in the newspaper on Thursday (November 21), it was found at four locations in the capital—Karwan Bazar, Shahbagh, Notre Dame College at Motijheel, and Bok Chattar—that many people returned empty-handed after waiting in long queues behind the TCB trucks for a long time without getting any goods. It happened because the number of buyers exceeded the available goods. On the same day, TCB sold goods at 50 locations across the capital, with each truck carrying goods for 350 people. However, at most places, the number of people present was 100 to 150 more than the goods available.

When TCB goods first arrived in the market, many middle-class families felt hesitant to stand in the queues behind the trucks. However, now it can be seen in the Motijheel area that many well-dressed office-goers, wearing pants and shirts, are standing in line. The reason for this is the rising prices of essential goods. A buyer can purchase up to two liters of cooking oil, two kilograms of lentils, five kilograms of rice, and three kilograms of potatoes from a TCB truck. Recently, the price of potatoes has increased, which is why TCB started selling potatoes from yesterday. Among these goods, each liter of cooking oil costs 100 taka, each kilogram of lentils costs 60 taka, rice 30 taka, and potatoes 40 taka. A customer has to pay 590 taka to purchase these four items. In contrast, buying these items from the retail market would cost around 1,050 taka, meaning that buying from TCB trucks saves at least 450 taka.

Due to the rise in commodity prices, not only are the queues behind the trucks growing, but there are also complaints about a decrease in the supply of goods. After standing in line for hours and not being able to buy anything, those who leave empty-handed show a sense of helplessness on their faces. This scene has become common on the streets of Dhaka. One could even describe this as a form of silent famine.

According to available information, the country has been experiencing high inflation for more than a year and a half. In October, the inflation rate was 10.87 per cent. Food inflation has risen to 12.66 per cent. The sharp increase in the prices of daily essentials has caused widespread dissatisfaction among the people. If inflation is not brought down and if the supply of goods through TCB trucks is not increased, where will the common people go?

It is still a long way to go before winter vegetables are available in full swing in the market. Although new potatoes have arrived, their prices are still beyond reach. Beans, onions, cauliflower, and cabbage are all out of reach for most people. Even if TCB does not sell winter vegetables, it sells potatoes and onions, provided there is an adequate supply, which would offer some relief to the common people. Therefore, we urge that the supply of goods in TCB trucks be increased. Otherwise, the queues will not shorten, but will continue to grow longer each day.