A scuffle broke out among people buying TCB goods in Rangpur, leaving two women injured in Rangpur on Thursday.
On the first day of Ramadan, people gathered near Rangpur Press Club to buy TCB packages, including edible oil, pulses, sugar, and dates. The incident occurred around 12:30 pm.
According to witnesses and customers, TCB had planned to sell a package priced at Tk 590 containing 2 kg of lentils, 1 kg of sugar, 2 litres of edible oil, 1 kg of chickpeas, 1 kg of sugar, and 0.5 kg of dates through a truck at the Press Club. However, the truck carrying the goods arrived only after about two hours, around 12:45 PM, along with the dealer’s stock.
Hundreds of people who had come from different parts of the city had been waiting since early morning. As they tried to collect the goods, pushing and shoving broke out. Two women, identified as Momtaz Begum and Anwara Begum, both construction workers, were injured after being jostled in the crowd.
Local residents also alleged that although goods were meant for 400 people, only 300 people were served. Despite repeated reminders, dealer manager Afzal initially claimed that all 400 people would receive goods, but later admitted a shortage.
Furthermore, a TCB tag officer, who was supposed to supervise the sale at the truck, was reportedly absent from the scene. Two women in line alleged that they saw a TCB official leave hurriedly with two packages of goods.
Other buyers from different neighborhoods expressed frustration. Aslam Mia from Gupto Para neighborhood said that some people received goods without waiting in line, despite others standing patiently. Marufa Begum from New Senpara said she had been waiting since 9 AM but still feared she might not get her share, criticizing the preferential treatment.
TCB dealer Mostak Hossain stated that the commodities are being sold at 14 locations across the city and denied any irregularities in the distribution.