The government of Bangladesh has announced a series of major reforms aimed at modernising the country’s market management system, with a strong focus on transparency, accountability and technology-driven oversight to prevent manipulation of essential commodity prices.
Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir made the announcement on Monday while inaugurating the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) truck-sale programme ahead of Eid-ul-Azha in Dhaka’s Agargaon area.
The minister said the government is working to build strategic reserves of essential commodities while introducing artificial intelligence-based monitoring across the supply chain to prevent syndicates and market irregularities.
He added that the initiative would allow authorities to monitor imports, distribution and retail sales in real time and take quick action whenever necessary.
According to the minister, ensuring affordable essential goods for low-income and marginalised communities remains a top government priority.
He noted that around 2.28 crore people received subsidised food products through TCB during the last Ramadan, while the number of beneficiaries is expected to rise to nearly 2.88 crore during the upcoming Eid season.
He also said food distribution through TCB has been significantly expanded this year. Nearly 14,000 tonnes of products will be distributed during Eid-ul-Azha, marking about a 40 percent increase from last year’s allocation of 10,900 tonnes.
Muktadir revealed that the government reviewed the existing TCB beneficiary list and found around 59 lakh questionable entries out of one crore names. Following verification, 80 lakh beneficiaries were retained as genuine recipients, while plans are underway to gradually include another 20 lakh families.
The minister further said a new policy is being formulated to ensure transparency in appointing TCB dealers.
He stressed that the government wants to transform TCB into a completely technology-based and accountable institution capable of ensuring fair market practices.
Commerce Ministry Secretary Md Abdur Rahim Khan and TCB Chairman Mohammad Foyshol Azad also attended the programme.
