Published: 12:37 AM, 18 September 2026
TCB goes digital to enhance transparency
The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) has undertaken a comprehensive digital transformation initiative to make the distribution of subsidised essential commodities easier, more transparent and accountable.
The initiative includes digital TCB cards, the 'Upokari' mobile app, online dealer management, an all-in-one point-of-sale system and artificial intelligence-based real-time monitoring.
The initiatives were unveiled at the inauguration ceremony of TCB's digital transformation programme at the TCB conference room in the capital on Thursday, said a press release.
Commerce, Industries and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir attended the programme as the chief guest, while Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Commerce Engineer Khaled Hossain Mahbub Shyamol and Commerce Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan were present as special guests.
The minister said Bangladesh's supply management system was not yet fully seamless and efficient, with significant price gaps often emerging between producers and retail markets in cities and Dhaka.
Temporary supply shortages can also create instability in the market, he said, making TCB's role important in ensuring that low-income people receive essential goods at subsidised prices.
The minister said the use of technology would enhance transparency in TCB's services and help ensure that government subsidies reach genuine beneficiaries.
Under the new 'Upokari' mobile app, beneficiaries will be able to receive TCB services through a secure digital system alongside the existing card-based system.
The identity and eligibility of beneficiaries will be verified through digitally signed and encrypted QR codes.
As a result, genuine beneficiaries will not be deprived of designated commodities even if their physical cards are lost or damaged.
The online dealer management system is intended to make the application, data storage and appointment processes more transparent and systematic.
If the number of applicants exceeds the requirement, dealers may be selected through a digital lottery. An online payment collection system will also be introduced to make financial transactions easier and more transparent.
The all-in-one POS system will facilitate product sales, biometric verification, online payments and instant issuance of sales receipts.
At the same time, an AI-based real-time monitoring system will enable authorities to instantly track the volume of products sold and distributed in different areas and identify possible irregularities.
The system is expected to help detect irregularities and facilitate quick decision-making.
An AI-based contact centre is also being introduced to provide beneficiaries with information and assistance promptly.
The programme was also informed that around 5.9 million ineligible applicants have been removed from the list after verification of their national identity cards, mobile numbers and other information.
A verified digital database has been created through the process, which is expected to play an important role in ensuring that government subsidies reach genuine and eligible beneficiaries.
At present, around 7.9 million beneficiaries are covered by TCB services. The government aims to increase the number to 10 million in the future, the minister said.
The commerce minister said TCB's various initiatives and digital transformation are expected to help save around Tk300-350 crore in subsidies in the current fiscal year compared with the previous year.
TCB Chairman Brigadier General Mohammad Faisal Azad presided over the programme and delivered the welcome address.
