DHAKA, March 20, 2022 (BSS) - The state-run Trading Corporation of
Bangladesh (TCB) today started selling essential items to some one crore
families across the country at a subsidized rate centering the Holy Month of
Ramadan.

   Commerce Ministry Senior Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh inaugurated such
operations at Shishu Kalyan Primary School at Fatullah and Station Road Haque
Stall Mills area in Narayanganj. Commerce Ministry Additional Secretary AHM
Shafiquzzaman, TCB Chairman Brig Gen Md Ariful Haque, Deputy Commissioner of
Narayanganj Md Monjurul Hafiz were present, among others, on the occasion.

   Speaking on the occasion, the Commerce Secretary said that the sale of
essentials began today throughout the country through family cards under the
special arrangement by TCB following directives from Prime Minister Sheikh
Hasina. The essential items would be provided in two phases centering the
Holy Month of Ramadan.

   Under the first phase, some five types of essential items will be sold
till March 31 across the country at an affordable price while the sale of TCB
goods in the 2nd phase will commence from April 3.

   Official at the TCB said that they have started sending their items at
district level since March 8 to make this initiative a success while the
essential items have been kept at the government godowns in the district
level under the supervision of the district administration.

   In the first phase, each family would be entitled to enjoy two litres of
soybean oil at Taka 110 per litre, two KGs of sugar at Taka 55 per KG, five
KGs of onion at Taka 30 per KG and two KGs of lentil at Taka 65 per KG. In
the 2nd phase, each family would get two KGs of chickpeas at Taka 50 per KG
in addition to the items being given in the first phase.