Last Ramadan, this number was 450. If the new initiative is implemented, about 4 million people will get the opportunity to buy goods at affordable prices. The number of beneficiaries will increase by 600,000 compared to last time.

In addition, to keep market supply normal during Ramadan, initiatives have been taken to procure extra quantities of edible oil, lentils, and sugar. The organization is also considering introducing an open market sale (OMS) system for buyers outside households covered by smart cards.

TCB Chairman Brigadier General Mohammad Faisal Azad said that ahead of Ramadan, product procurement activities are being advanced. There is no fear of shortage in regular distribution operations. There are plans for additional sales to deliver goods to the wider public beyond cardholders.

For this, discussions are ongoing with international suppliers. Tenders have also been invited for several products. However, the specific amount of additional imports has not yet been determined.

According to Ministry of Commerce sources, TCB has formulated an annual procurement plan for fiscal year 2026-27. It has targets to procure 220 million liters of edible oil, 220,000 tons of lentils, 110,000 tons of sugar, 14,000 tons of chickpeas, and 4,400 tons of dates from local and foreign markets.

Meanwhile, according to Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission (BTTC) statistics, from July 1 to October 25 of the current fiscal year, the country imported 823,000 tons of edible oil, which was 705,000 tons in the same period last fiscal year. Alongside, 501,000 tons of soybean seeds were imported. In the same period, sugar imports stood at 687,000 tons (153,000 tons more than the previous year), chickpeas were imported at 82,000 tons (only 12,000 tons the previous year), lentils came in at 122,000 tons (64,000 tons more), and date imports rose to 11,000 tons (4,000 tons the previous year).

Relevant persons believe that this progress in imports and government procurement activities, along with the initiative to expand sales outlets, may help maintain the supply of goods in the market during Ramadan. However, how much relief ordinary buyers will get depends on ensuring goods reach the market on time and are sold at affordable prices.