News Desk, Bangladesh Global: In response to the soaring prices of onions in Bangladesh, the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) has embarked on a crucial initiative to provide relief to consumers. Imported from India, onions are now available for purchase at Tk 40 per kg through this program.
The inauguration of the onion sale programme took place on Tuesday (April 2), in front of the TCB building in the capital, graced by Commerce State Minister Ahsanul Islam Titu.
The government measure involves the purchase of 50,000 tonnes of onions from India under a special arrangement, aimed at stabilising the country's onion market.
The first lot of 1,650 tons has already arrived in Bangladesh via rail.
The sales operation is expansive, covering 103 spots in Dhaka, 50 spots in Chattogram, and 15-20 spots in Gazipur. Each truck deployed for the programme carries 10 tonnes of onions, all priced at Tk 40 per kg.
The initiative extends its benefits beyond TCB family cardholders, allowing any consumer to purchase up to 2 kg of onions. Besides, a special package of 2.5 kg is available at Tk 100.
This intervention comes amidst a challenging backdrop where the Indian government's decision to curb onion exports led to a significant spike in prices within Bangladesh. Initially, the government sought to import onions through the Joint Technical Working Group (JTUG) mechanism.
However, with India halting exports and experiencing its own market fluctuations, Bangladesh found itself in a precarious situation, necessitating swift action to stabilize the market.
The recent approval by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on March 27, chaired by Finance Minister Abul Hasan Mahmud Ali, paved the way for the import of 50,000 metric tons of onions from India.
The decision underscores the government's commitment to addressing the critical issue of onion scarcity and soaring prices.
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