Disruption at TCB Truck Sales: Manipulation, Multiple Purchases Leave Many Empty-Handed

Staff Correspondent

A chaotic situation is unfolding at Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) truck sales in the capital, as unscrupulous individuals manipulate the system, depriving genuine needy families of subsidized goods.

Reports suggest that some individuals repeatedly join the queue, donning different outfits like burqas, hijabs, or saris to avoid detection. Entire families line up together to purchase excessive amounts of goods, leaving others empty-handed.

Witnesses claim these groups quickly exhaust the truck’s stock by purchasing in bulk, often using intimidation tactics to secure more than the allowed quota. As a result, many deserving families are forced to leave without essentials.

“We’ve observed people rejoining the line after changing their attire. If we protest, their associates claim they were already in line and sometimes resort to physical threats,” said a frustrated customer.

Dealers expressed their helplessness, citing pressure from local groups. “If we resist, they might loot the truck. Many times, we’re forced to sell to the same individuals repeatedly,” one dealer admitted.

The disruptions have forced TCB to shut down operations in several areas. TCB spokesperson Humayun Kabir said, “There’s a network of people creating disputes to hinder sales, leading to losses. We’ve had to close operations in some locations due to these challenges.”

TCB operates truck sales at 50 locations in Dhaka each week. Each truck serves up to 350 customers, with or without ration cards. However, the ongoing manipulation has left many struggling families without access to subsidized essentials.