The inauguration of Bangladesh Trading Corporation's (TCB) 'Smart Family Card' by Commerce Secretary Md Selim Uddin has caused inconvenience for customers due to unprepared software, resulting in technical glitches during the July sale event.
On Monday morning at the Ansar camp ground in Banani, the Commerce Secretary officially launched the smart card, intended to streamline purchases of subsidised goods.
However, immediate implementation faltered as the software was not fully operational, leading to disruptions in the sales process.
Low-income individuals, relying on TCB's subsidised products amidst rising market prices, expressed frustration over the delayed functionality of the smart card. Customers like Yakub Ali and Asia Begum lamented their futile attempts over months to utilise the card for purchases, only to face technical failures and long queues.
Numerous customers left empty-handed as the smart card failed to scan properly, forcing the resumption of sales through old cards. Despite this, shoppers were irked by the absence of essential items like onions and sugar, exacerbating their dissatisfaction.
Looking forward, the commerce secretary aims to resolve smart card distribution within 2 to 3 months to facilitate smoother transactions for up to 5 crore beneficiaries.
He assured efforts to stabilise market prices and expedite imports of onions and potatoes, which are currently unavailable due to stock shortages.
Moving forward, TCB plans to continue sales through designated outlets, offering staples like rice, lentils, and edible oil at subsidised rates throughout July to smart card holders, with rice priced at Tk 30 per kg, lentils at Tk 60 per kg, and edible oil at Tk 100 per litre.
