Yesterday, the distribution of essential subsidised food items by the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) sparked large crowds across Dhaka and other regions of the country. Particularly for elderly and physically vulnerable citizens, standing in line for these goods has become a strenuous ordeal, resembling a real-life struggle for survival.
At Manik Mia Avenue, near the BTCL office, Rehana Begum expressed her frustration while waiting in line. “Those who can push and jostle manage to get the items. I am elderly; I cannot withstand this shoving,” she said. After waiting for three hours, she returned home empty-handed. Similarly, at Karwan Bazar, Mahmud Mia reported, “I initially stood among five to six people, but the line broke apart. Now there are 50–60 people ahead of me. Whether I get any goods is only known to God.”
Near the National Press Club, Zaheda Begum, holding serial number 56, faced similar difficulties. She noted that some individuals attempt to purchase multiple times and hide items, slowing the line’s progress further.
A summary of line positions and crowd issues is as follows:
| Location | Line Length | Specific Issues |
|---|---|---|
| Manik Mia Avenue | 60–70 extra people | Shortage of soybean oil |
| Karwan Bazar | 50–60 extra people | Line breakdown |
| Tejgaon Colony Market | Medium | Minor jostling |
| National Press Club | Long | Multiple purchases and hoarding |
| ECI Ground | Long | Crowd control difficulties |
In preparation for Ramadan, TCB is distributing food items daily through 450 trucks nationwide to support low-income citizens. Each buyer is allowed to purchase a maximum quantity per truck as detailed below:
| Product | Quantity | Truck Price (BDT) | Market Price (BDT) | Savings (BDT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soybean Oil | 2 litres | 230 | 390 | 160 |
| Lentils (Masoor) | 2 kg | 70 | 140 | 70 |
| Sugar | 1 kg | 80 | 130 | 50 |
| Chickpeas | 1 kg | 60 | 100 | 40 |
| Dates | 0.5 kg | 80 | 120 | 40 |
| Total | – | 590 | 920 | 330 |
Although each truck is stocked for 400 buyers, nearly double that number often gathers. Demand for soybean oil is particularly high, offering substantial savings, yet at Manik Mia Avenue, 60–70 buyers left without oil. Reports indicate that some items were transferred elsewhere. TCB has stated that proven offenders will have their dealership privileges revoked.
In Sirajganj, sales commencing at iftar time caused heightened excitement among buyers. Saddam Hossain, Assistant Director of the Bogura camp, emphasised, “Future sales schedules will be strictly enforced.” In Chittagong, long lines culminated in relief as buyers received the rationed items. Shafiqul Islam, Deputy Director of the TCB Chittagong Regional Office, confirmed, “Indelible marks are being applied to buyers’ fingers to prevent multiple purchases.”
This ongoing situation underscores the persistent struggle for subsidised goods among ordinary citizens, with the elderly and physically weak facing the greatest challenges.