Syed Shemul Parvez :
Irregularities in sale from TCB trucks were found in some areas of the capital on Wednesday. Allegations are there that local influential quarters control TCB trucks. Besides, many people were also seen returning empty-handed even after standing in long lines for hours, as the supply was less than the demand.
The relatives and the supporters of local councilors and leaders were seen to take products of TCB breaking the queues forcefully. As the law enforcement agencies were not found, indiscipline reigned.
Everyday thousands of people wait for hours in queues to buy goods from the TCB dealers at various points in the capital amid the coronavirus pandemic. Even the number of new faces come to buy the TCB products daily as price of essentials is increasing.
Speaking to several people, it was learned that they waited since morning to noon. They regreted that the line was not ending.
Nahida Akter, 40, who was waiting in a queue in front of Khaji Dewn lane to buy essentials from a TCB truck, said, “I’ve been waiting in the line since morning with a hope to buy goods.”
“Although it’s now 3:00pm, my turn has not come. I don’t even know when I will get TCB products?
Sahin Mia, a resident of Lalbagh in the capital, told the New Nation, ‘I am standing in line since the morning. Even after coming earlier, I am falling behind more than 40/50 people. The truck came around 12 o’clock. It took another hour to pack. After some time, TCB trucks have gone to the Dhakeswari temple due to people’s chaos. I was hanging out for a long time, but I couldn’t take anything from the truck.
At the same time, housewife Halima Akhter, who was running behind the truck, said, “We don’t come all the time. But when I come there are lots of crowds. I have gone back to house many times due to chaos. Currently, my husband does a small job. Considering his ability I have come here today, Halima added.
“Prices of daily essentials have increased so much that it has become difficult for me to maintain my family with my income. Besides, expenses of my children’s education have gone up. I can save some money if I buy TCB goods,” said Rony ahmed, an employee of a private firm.
It is learned that after one-week break, TCB has been again selling food items at affordable prices by truck at 150 spots in the capital for three days.
