TCB suspends OMS in 8 N dists after only 6 days

Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) on Thursday suspended sale of different goods at subsidised prices in all eight northern districts of Rangpur division except the city corporation area.

The unexpected move, after operating only six working days from June 1, came as a matter of concern for consumers in the northern districts including Nilphamari during the holy Ramadan.

The government approved TCB rate for a kg of sugar is Tk 48, that of soybean oil Tk 80, chick pea Tk 70 and musur pulses Tk 90 while the items are selling in open markets at Tk 60, Tk 90, Tk 85 and Tk 130 respectively.

A person can purchase highest four kg of sugar, five litres of soybean oil, five kg of chickpea and two kg of musur pulses in a day.      

"As per directive of commerce ministry, my office suspended operations in district level on Thursday," said Miskatul Alam, in charge of TCB in Rangpur division.

"However, the sale will continue only in Rangpur City Corporation area on trucks of five dealers. A dealer will get 400 kg of sugar, 500 kg of chickpea, 250 litres of soyabean oil and 200 kg of musur pulses for sale per day and operate in all working days except two holidays in a week till the end of Ramadan," he said.

Despite repeated query by this correspondent, Alam did not explain the reason of taking such decision by the authorities.

Rahmatullah Ruhul Chunnu, president of district TCB dealers association, alleged that the authorities have bowed down to the pressure of a section of influential traders who want to make high profit during the Ramadan.

"Following the decision, we have to face various questions from consumers," said Sotyen Roy, a TCB dealer.

Transport worker Omar Ali said he had planned to save money by purchasing essential items of Ramadan from TCB dealers but now he is frustrated due to stopping of the sale.

"The government should continue selling of essential goods to us at subsidized rates as we the producers of paddy, wheat and other food grains often incur losses," said Hatem Ali, a marginal farmer of Chaora village in Sadar upazila.

Babul Akhtar, a grocer in Nilphamari municipality market, said his sale, like many others', decreased significantly after TCB had started selling goods at lower rates in open market.

Noresh Chandra Roy, former district unit president of Sacheton Nagorik Committee, said, "The government had commitment to keep market prices within the reach of common people in Ramadan and so, sale of goods at subsidised prices should not be stopped." 

Nilphamari Deputy Commissioner Zakir Hossain said, "There is high demand of TCB items in the district. I have sent message to the higher authorities, mentioning the need for resuming TCB operation with increased supply throughout the Ramadan."