The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) has embarked on a massive digital transformation to make its services easier, more transparent and more accountable. The company is leveraging technology in its product distribution and management through digital TCB cards, ‘Upkari’ mobile app, online dealer management, all-in-one POS and artificial intelligence (AI)-based real-time monitoring.
These initiatives were highlighted at the inauguration ceremony of the digital transformation of the organization’s activities at the TCB conference room on Thursday.
The chief guest at the event was Minister for Commerce, Industry and Textiles and Jute Ministry Khandaker Abdul Muktadir. The special guests were Engineer Khaled Hossain Mahbub Shyamal, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Commerce of the National Assembly, and Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Md. Ataur Rahman Khan.
The Commerce Minister said that the country’s supply management has not yet become completely uninterrupted and effective. In many cases, after the product reaches the retail market in the city or capital from the production stage, a large price gap arises. Again, temporary supply shortages also create instability in the market. In this situation, the role of TCB is very important in delivering essential goods to low-income people at subsidized prices.
He said that through the use of technology, it will be possible to increase transparency in TCB services and also deliver government subsidy benefits to the actual beneficiaries.
Even if you lose your card, you will still get the product.
Through TCB’s new ‘Upkari’ mobile app, beneficiaries will be able to avail services through secure digital means in addition to conventional cards. The beneficiary’s identity and eligibility for the product will be verified through a digitally signed and encrypted QR code. As a result, even if the card is lost or damaged, the genuine beneficiary will not be deprived of receiving the designated product.
Digital system for dealer recruitment
A plan has been taken to make the dealer application, data storage and recruitment process more transparent and systematic through the online dealer management system. If there are more applicants than required, there will be an opportunity to select dealers through a digital lottery. In addition, the process of financial transactions will be made easier and more transparent by introducing online payment collection.
Surveillance with AI
All-in-one POS will provide facilities for selling products, biometric verification, online payment and instant sales receipts. At the same time, through AI-based real-time monitoring system, how many products are being sold and distributed in which area, and whether there are any irregularities – these information can be monitored instantly. This will make it easier to identify irregularities and take quick decisions. Initiatives have also been taken to launch AI-based contact centers so that beneficiaries can quickly get the necessary information and assistance.
5.9 million ineligible applicants excluded
It was informed at the event that about 5.9 million ineligible applicants have been removed from the list by verifying their national identity cards, mobile numbers and other information. Through this, a verified digital database has been created. This database will play an important role in ensuring that government subsidies reach only the real and eligible beneficiaries. Currently, about 7.9 million beneficiaries are under the service of TCB. The Commerce Minister mentioned that there is a goal to increase this number to one crore in the future.
Savings could be 300 to 350 crore taka
The Commerce Minister said that in the current fiscal year, TCB’s various initiatives and digital transformation are expected to save about Tk 300 to 350 crore in subsidies compared to last year. The goal is to significantly reduce subsidy wastage in the next four to five years through the use of technology, proper beneficiary selection, and effective management.
He said, ‘Technology will be for the people, services will be easy, transparent and dignified.’
The event was presided over by TCB Chairman Brigadier General Mohammad Faisal Azad. Senior officials of the Ministry of Commerce and TCB, representatives of relevant organizations, media personnel and invited guests were present. Later, the Commerce Minister, along with the guests, formally inaugurated TCB’s digital activities.
