Struggle Erupts Over Low-Cost Essentials

Yesterday, across the capital and other regions of the country, intense crowds gathered around Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) trucks selling essential commodities at subsidised prices. For many, particularly elderly and vulnerable citizens, queuing for these products resembled a real-life struggle.

At Manik Mia Avenue, near the BTCL office, Rehana Begum, who had been waiting in line to purchase TCB goods, described the ordeal: “Those who can push and shove get the goods. I am old; I cannot compete in such jostling.” After standing for three hours, she returned home empty-handed. Similarly, in front of the TCB building at Karwan Bazar, Mahmud Mia said, “I was standing among five or six people, but the line broke due to pushing. Now there are 50–60 people ahead of me. Whether I will get the goods, only God knows.”

Zaheda Begum, queuing near the National Press Club with serial number 56, faced the same difficulty. She reported that some individuals attempted to buy items multiple times and conceal them, further slowing line progression.

Queues were observed at TCB sales points in Manik Mia Avenue, Karwan Bazar, Tejgaon Colony Market, the Press Club, and the ECI grounds. Men and women alike were determined to secure supplies as quickly as possible.

In preparation for Ramadan, TCB is distributing essential goods to low-income citizens nationwide through 450 trucks daily. Each customer is allowed to purchase the following maximum quantities from a single truck:

Although each truck is allocated goods for 400 customers, queues often contain twice that number. The highest demand is for soybean oil due to its substantial savings. At Manik Mia Avenue, 60–70 people reportedly left without oil, amid allegations that some stocks were diverted elsewhere. TCB has stated that proven malpractice will result in the cancellation of the dealership concerned.

In Sirajganj, sales starting close to Iftar led to heightened tension among buyers. Bogura Camp’s Assistant Director, Md. Saddam Hossain, emphasised that future sales schedules would be strictly adhered to. A similar scenario unfolded in Chittagong, where long queues eventually gave way to relief and joy as customers secured their essentials. Shafiqul Islam, Deputy Director of TCB’s Chittagong regional office, confirmed: “To prevent multiple purchases, indelible ink is being applied on customers’ fingers.”

The situation highlights the struggle faced by ordinary citizens to obtain subsidised goods, with elderly and physically vulnerable individuals confronting the greatest challenges.