New policy formulated for TCB dealers

The government on Monday unveiled a new policy for appointing dealers for TCB open market sales to ensure greater transparency in the appointment of dealers and enhance their accountability.

The document titled "Dealer Appointment and Management Policy 2025" for the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) was published on the commerce ministry website on the day.

The newly-introduced policy repeals the previously amended "Dealer Appointment Guidelines 2021". However, activities already undertaken under the previous guidelines will remain valid.

In case of any inconsistency in this policy, the decision of the government will be deemed final. The government reserves the right to amend the policy at any time in the public interest.

To qualify as a dealer, an applicant must be a lawful citizen of Bangladesh aged at least 18. The applicant must be a genuine grocery trader with a valid trade license. Government and private employees, elected public representatives, individuals convicted by a court, or blacklisted contractors of government or autonomous institutions are not eligible for TCB dealership.

Applicants must be financially solvent. To apply, they must have at least Tk 0.5 million deposited in a bank account as proof of financial capacity. In addition, they must own or operate a shop or sales outlet capable of storing and preserving at least 10 tonnes of food items.

One dealer will be appointed in each ward of municipalities/city corporations and in each union of other areas. However, if the number of beneficiary families exceeds 1,500 in a given ward/union, more than one dealer can be appointed. In such cases, the local administration will determine the areas of operation for each dealer.

At the district level, the deputy commissioner will oversee the activities of all TCB dealers. TCB's regional officers will supervise and monitor dealers in their respective jurisdictions. At the upazila level, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) will be responsible for overseeing the sale and distribution activities of TCB dealers. Dealers are obligated to present all relevant documents and records (e.g., inventory registers) upon request by these officials.

Each TCB regional officer will visit at least 10 sales centres across multiple districts each month. At least 2 of these centres must undergo verification of the beneficiary lists and product distribution records, including random checks of beneficiaries.

Each Upazila Nirbahi Officer will verify the beneficiary list and product disbursement records of at least 2 sales centers every month and submit a report to the respective Deputy Commissioner of a district.

Based on the number of beneficiaries in each district, the designated products will be delivered either to district warehouses specified by the Deputy Commissioner or directly to some dealers in the district.

Appointed dealers must deposit the due amount for allocated goods to TCB's designated bank account one day before collecting the goods from the warehouse as per the Delivery Order (DO) issued in their favour.

The policy further said that dealerships are non-transferable except in the case of a dealer's death. However, if a dealer wishes to relinquish their dealership, they must apply to the Chairman of TCB citing valid reasons.

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