Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir inaugurated TCB Eid truck-sale programme in Agargaon, today. Photo : Ministry

DHAKA, May 11, 2026 (BSS) – Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir today said the government is taking a series of epoch-making initiatives to ensure transparency, accountability and effective state oversight in the market management system.

In this context, he said the government has undertaken measures including strategic reserves of essential commodities, artificial intelligence (AI)-based supply chain monitoring and capacity enhancement of the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) to prevent any kind of syndicate or market manipulation in the essential commodities market.

The commerce minister made the remarks while inaugurating the TCB truck-sale programme ahead of the holy Eid-ul-Azha 2026 at Agargaon in the capital today, said a Commerce Ministry press release here.

“The government’s primary objective is to ensure supply of essential commodities at subsidised prices for the low-income, lower-middle-income and marginalised people,” he said.

To achieve the goal, the minister said, the TCB has been regularly distributing subsidised food items across the country and operating special truck-sale programmes during major festivals.

Muktadir said around 2.28 crore beneficiaries received subsidised food products through the TCB during the last Ramadan, while the number is being increased to nearly 2.88 crore this time.

He also noted that around 10,900 tons of food items were supplied during Eid-ul-Azha last year, while the volume has been increased to nearly 14,000 tons this year, marking an increase of about 40 percent.

The commerce minister said the government would launch TCB truck-sale operations whenever necessary during special situations, festivals or periods of unusual market pressure.

“The government always remains prepared to ensure food security for the people,” he added.

Referring to the beneficiary database, the minister said nearly 59 lakh names out of the previous list of 10 million beneficiaries were found questionable.

Following verification, he said, 80 lakh genuine beneficiaries have now been selected through a transparent and acceptable process, while another 20 lakh families would be included gradually.

The minister also said a new policy is being formulated to ensure transparency in the appointment of TCB dealers.

“We are transforming TCB into a completely transparent, accountable and technology-driven institution,” he added.

Highlighting the government’s market intervention plans, Muktadir said strategic state reserves would be developed for selected essential commodities, while the entire supply chain from import to retail sale would be brought under AI-based digital monitoring to enable the government to take prompt decisions based on real-time data.

He said import of essential commodities is naturally capital-intensive, which is why a few large businesses are active in the sector.

“However, the government wants to establish a partnership-based system where more entrepreneurs can participate, creating healthy competition in the market,” he added.

The minister said the government is firmly committed to establishing effective oversight and control in the market system in favour of consumers.

“Our goal is to ensure a transparent, stable and manipulation-free market,” he said.

Commerce Ministry Secretary (Routine Charge) Md Abdur Rahim Khan spoke as special guest at the event while TCB Chairman Brigadier General Mohammad Foyshol Azad delivered the welcome address.

Later, the commerce minister formally inaugurated the sale of TCB commodities at fair prices among consumers.