The government has approved the sale of Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) products at subsidized prices to an additional 10 lakh garment workers’ families, expanding the coverage alongside the existing one crore families already benefiting from the TCB family card program. This initiative has received in-principle approval from the Economic Affairs Advisory Council.
Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed announced that garment workers will be included in the upcoming product distribution program of the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB). The decision was made during a meeting of the Economic Affairs Advisory Council on Wednesday.
In response to media inquiries, Dr. Salehuddin confirmed that TCB would carry out the program, sourcing products from its existing supply to serve one crore families.
He clarified that garment workers would be included among the one crore beneficiaries and noted that not all of these families have received TCB cards yet. For the time being, the focus will be on garment workers, with the possibility of expanding the program to other sectors in the future.
The distribution of subsidized products to garment workers will begin with TCB's next sales program, initially focusing on areas around Dhaka, including Tongi, Gazipur, Narayanganj, Ashulia, and Savar.
The government is currently providing subsidized products, including edible oil, lentils, and sugar, to one crore families holding TCB family cards. Additionally, the Food Department is distributing 5 kg of rice to low-income households through its ongoing programs.
The decision to include garment workers was made following a recommendation from the Ministry of Commerce and a request from the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
The estimated monthly cost of providing subsidized sugar, edible oil, and lentils to 10 lakh garment workers' families is approximately Tk31.36 crore. In addition, around 5,000 tonnes of rice will be needed each month to support this initiative.
BD-Pratidin English/Mazdud
