Published : 17 Sep 2026, 03:59 PM
Updated : 17 Sep 2026, 03:59 PM
The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh is undertaking a broad digital transformation of its operations to make the distribution of subsidised essential goods 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 launch of TCB’s digital transformation at its conference room on Thursday, according to the commerce ministry.
Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, Khaled Hossain Mahbub Shyamal, chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on the ministry, and Commerce Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan attended the event.
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.
Technology would help increase transparency in TCB’s services and ensure government subsidies reach genuine beneficiaries, Muktadir said.
Card No Longer Essential
Through the new Upokari app, beneficiaries will be able to access services through a secure digital channel alongside the existing physical card.
Their identity and eligibility will be verified through digitally signed and encrypted QR codes. This means beneficiaries will not lose access to their allocated goods if their cards are lost or damaged.
An online dealer management system will make applications, information storage and appointments more transparent and systematic. If there are more applicants than available positions, dealers may be selected through a digital lottery.
Online payment collection will also be introduced to make financial transactions easier and more transparent.
AI For Monitoring
The all-in-one POS system will support product sales, biometric verification, online payments and instant sales receipts.
An AI-based real-time monitoring system will allow authorities to track how much product is being sold and distributed in different areas and identify possible irregularities as they occur.
The ministry said the system would make it easier to detect irregularities and take quick decisions. It also plans to introduce an AI-based contact centre to provide beneficiaries with information and assistance.
5.9mn Ineligible Applicants Removed
Officials at the event said nearly 5.9 million ineligible applicants had been removed from beneficiary lists after verification using national ID cards, mobile phone numbers and other information.
A verified digital database has been created, which is expected to help ensure subsidies reach eligible beneficiaries.
Around 7.9 million beneficiaries currently receive TCB services. The government aims to increase the number to 10 million, the minister said.
He also said TCB’s various initiatives and digital transformation could save around Tk 3 billion to Tk 3.5 billion in subsidies in the current fiscal year compared with last year.
Over the next four to five years, the government aims to significantly reduce subsidy wastage through greater use of technology, accurate beneficiary selection and more effective management.
“Technology will be for people, and services will be easy, transparent and dignified,” Muktadir said.
TCB Chairman Brig Gen Mohammad Foyshol Azad presided over the event, which was attended by senior officials of the ministry and TCB, representatives of relevant organisations, journalists and invited guests.
The minister later formally inaugurated TCB’s digital operations with the guests.
