The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) plans to start selling packaged turmeric and chilli powder and tea from November, to widen its range for consumers, raise commercial income and depend less on government subsidy.
TCB chairman Brigadier General Mohammad Faisal Azad said soap and detergent sales have begun, turmeric and chilli powder are planned for November, and approval has come for tea. Flour is also being planned, and more goods will follow if market surveys are positive.
TCB already sells laundry and bath soap, detergent and salt below market prices but above its purchase cost, making a small profit. In 2025-26 its commercial operations earned Tk 24.37 crore, and it aims to be financially self-reliant within four to five years.
The new commercial goods now reach about 5 million customers a month; the target is 7 to 8 million this financial year and 10 million next year. The chairman estimates that reaching 10 million customers could bring about Tk 700 crore in extra income or financial benefit, though actual earnings will depend on sales and efficiency.
He said prices of existing subsidised goods will not rise, buying the new products is up to consumers, and they too will be priced below the market. A pilot for selling edible oil outside the smart-card scheme is under way, with applications invited from dealers, as TCB looks at selling oil, lentils and sugar more widely.
To cut costs, TCB plans to buy sugar and masoor lentils with cash instead of bank loans, has moved to lower-interest private banks, takes sales receipts straight into its accounts through an API, and has started distributing directly from regional warehouses.
Source: Bangla Tribune
Comments
(0)