Amidst economic challenges, the government allocates a substantial Tk400 crore each month to extend support to Bangladesh’s impoverished populace, cushioning them against the volatile prices of essential commodities in the market.
Through the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), four key staples – 5kg of rice, 1kg of sugar, 2kg of lentils, and 2 liters of cooking oil – are provided at subsidized rates to the 10 million individuals holding government-issued family cards. Despite a market value ranging between Tk950 to Tk1,000, cardholders acquire these packages at a discounted Tk540 from authorized TCB distributors.
Moreover, during Ramadan, beneficiaries in Dhaka receive an additional kilogram of dates at a nominal price of Tk150, a fraction of the market price.
However, concerns regarding the effective distribution of government subsidies have surfaced, prompting scrutiny of beneficiary lists. With approximately 10 million cardholders representing around 40 million family members, almost a quarter of Bangladesh’s total population, ensuring accurate beneficiary targeting remains a daunting task.
In response to these concerns, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Undertakings has initiated measures to update beneficiary lists, emphasizing the necessity of reaching the truly deserving individuals.
The committee advocates for the issuance of smart family cards to enhance accuracy and transparency in beneficiary identification. The ongoing initiative seeks to deter irregularities such as forgeries and duplications in the distribution process.
While TCB ensures the timely supply of essentials, the selection of beneficiaries is primarily coordinated by local administrations. The ongoing transition to smart family cards aims to streamline this process and minimize discrepancies.
As Bangladesh grapples with escalating food prices, initiatives like the government subsidy provide a crucial safety net for vulnerable populations. However, experts urge a collaborative approach involving grassroots stakeholders to refine beneficiary lists and ensure inclusive support mechanisms.
