TCB to sell spices, tea from November

The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) plans to launch packaged turmeric powder, chilli powder and tea sales in November to expand its basket, boost income and reduce subsidies.

TCB Chairman Brigadier General Mohammad Foyshol Azad said on Friday the four-to-five-year self-reliance plan also considers flour after market surveys, while keeping existing subsidised commodity prices unchanged.

Sold below market rates but above procurement costs, laundry and bathing soap, detergent and salt earned TCB Tk 24.37 crore in 2025–26, saving households thousands of Taka annually.

Launched four months ago, the commercial range reaches 50 lakh buyers monthly, targeting 70–80 lakh this fiscal year and one crore next year to generate around Tk 700 crore in revenue.

TCB is also piloting dealer-led edible oil sales to offer oil, pulses and sugar outside smart cards, while cutting costs via cash sugar and lentil purchases, lower-interest private banks, API collections and regional warehouses.

Unlike regular items, TCB procures potatoes and onions only for market interventions, planning no immediate onion purchases after 2022–2024.

Source: BSS