Many leave empty-handed as TCB queues continue to grow

The demand for affordable goods from the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) is growing daily in the capital, with long queues of low-income individuals forming in front of TCB trucks. Each consumer is allowed to purchase limited quantities of essential items at subsidized rates, as prices remain significantly lower than market rates. With rising inflation, not only the poor but also lower-middle-class citizens are lining up to buy essentials such as edible oil, lentils, sugar, chickpeas, and dates. Queues now start as early as 6 AM, as people try to secure much-needed supplies.  

Despite the TCB's objective of providing essential goods at affordable prices, its sales operations in the capital have become a source of frustration. Many consumers, after waiting for hours, are unable to make purchases due to overwhelming demand. When trucks arrive, chaotic rushes often prevent the elderly and physically weaker individuals from competing for goods. The unpredictability of truck arrivals adds to the frustration, with hundreds of people, including those fasting, waiting along roadsides for hours.  

Currently, TCB sales operations are being conducted at 50 locations across Dhaka. However, in areas like Kalshi, Mirpur, Jatrabari, and Rampura, public outrage has escalated, with truck staff facing assaults. Sources indicate that the number of consumers far exceeds the supply allocated to each truck, making it difficult to maintain order. Some have called for law enforcement intervention to manage the growing crisis. Despite efforts to expand coverage, the allocation per truck has been reduced. Previously, each truck served 250 customers, but in the past three days, only 200 people per truck have been receiving goods. As a result, the number of people served daily in Dhaka has dropped from 12,500 to 10,000, leaving 2,500 individuals without supplies. Similarly, Chittagong has also experienced a reduction in allocation for 1,000 people.  

Consumers report that even before the cut in allocation, many were returning home empty-handed due to supply shortages, and the situation has only worsened. Lokman Hossain, a resident of Konapara, shared that despite standing in line daily, he often reaches the truck only to find that supplies have run out. Tariqul Islam, a TCB dealer in Khilkhet, echoed this, stating that while they bring enough goods for 200 people, 300 people regularly line up, leaving 100 individuals without any purchases.  

In response to the crisis, TCB spokesperson Humayun Kabir stated that operations would be further expanded in the future to benefit more people. However, the price of lentils has been increased by Tk5 per kg to align with market rates, though a reduction will be considered if procurement costs drop.  

Economists emphasize the need to increase TCB's product supply and the number of trucks, though they acknowledge that expanding capacity overnight is not feasible. They advocate for stricter market regulations and breaking up supply chain syndicates to make essential goods more affordable for the general public. Strengthening market management, they argue, would ultimately improve TCB’s ability to distribute essential goods effectively.