TCB prepares 57 lakh smart family cards to prevent duplication

The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) has prepared 57 lakh smart family cards for beneficiaries after verifying information as per their national identity card (NID) to check duplication in distribution of goods.

Earlier, the TCB issued one crore family cards across the country. Of those, 57 lakh cards so far have been updated, but 43 lakh cards are yet to be verified by local administrations, said joint director and spokesperson of the TCB Md Humayun Kabir today.

He told BSS that updated information is needed to reduce duplication of the family card beneficiaries of the same families.

Kabir explained that when one crore handwritten cards were integrated with NID, it was found that some individuals used the same NID to acquire a card in Dhaka and another card in their hometown.

As a result, 4.3 million cards were excluded during the verification process.

He also mentioned that among the one crore family cards, multiple members from the same family are receiving goods.

He also announced that TCB will sell five essential commodities at affordable prices in Dhaka and four commodities in areas outside the capital during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan.

TCB has completed all necessary preparations to this end, Humayun assured that there will be no shortage of commodities during Ramadan.

Edible oil, lentils, and sugar are sold round the year on trucks, he said, adding additionally, chickpeas and dates will be sold in Dhaka during Ramadan. Outside of the capital city, chickpeas will be added to the list of three other commodities.

Mentioning that tender bids for the procurement of these commodities have been finalized, he said commodities will be sold through smart family cards from January 2025.

Regarding allegations of irregularities against dealers, he said the issue is being scrutinised and registration of new dealers is currently suspended as an official announcement is yet to come.

New dealers will be recruited through advertisement in media and TCB website, he added.

He mentioned that TCB's monitoring process has been hindered due to the political and government changeover, adding, efforts are underway to resolve these issues.