Hundreds of people crowded around Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) truck sales points across Dhaka on Saturday, seeking essential commodities at subsidised prices amid growing pressure on household budgets.
Long queues formed from early morning in different areas of the capital as buyers waited to purchase rice, lentils, edible oil and sugar at prices lower than those in the open market.
The scenes reflected the growing dependence of low and middle-income families on government-supported sales programmes as they struggle to manage daily expenses.
Many customers expressed relief at being able to buy essentials at affordable prices, but the overwhelming rush led to long waiting times, with occasional pushing and jostling at several sales points.
Photos taken on Saturday captured the desperation, patience and struggle of ordinary people standing in line under the scorching summer heat for a chance to buy daily necessities at lower prices.
