The open market sale (OMS) service of Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) has brought some relief to the low- and middle-income groups, as prices of almost all daily essentials have been skyrocketing over the past few weeks. People with fixed-income are now in a terrible situation.
The soaring prices of essentials like rice, lentil, onion, edible oil and sugar are forcing many to rush to TCB's OMS trucks so that they can buy their commodities at lower prices. Day by day, the queues of people in front of these trucks are getting longer. Many involved with TCB's product sales say they have never seen such a long line in the past. Some sellers of TCB trucks, according to a media report, said that low-income people, especially rickshaw-pullers, day-labourers, and housemaids used to come to buy kitchen items earlier but now middle-class people are also crowding in front of TCB trucks. As the rush is heavy, not all of them are getting the products, even after waiting for hours.
In this situation, the government should increase the supply of goods through TCB several folds. In fact, those who lost their jobs and livelihoods due to Covid-19 pandemic should be given essentials free of charge. OMS products are the only hope for many. This can help reduce suffering of many.
Afroza Sheikh,
Dania, Dhaka,
ilcbd2008@gmail.com
Enhancing TCB capacity
FE Team | Published: October 15, 2021 19:03:25
Enhancing TCB capacity
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