Today marks the first Friday of Ramadan, and Dhaka markets are seeing a rise in demand for Iftar and family gatherings. This has pushed up the prices of chicken, beef, and some fish by 20 to 50 taka per kilogram compared to last week.
Market visits to Rampura Bazar, Mirpur Shah Ali Bazar, Mohammadpur Krishi Market, New Market, Kawranbazar and Mohakhali Kachabazar confirm the price changes.
Chicken: Golden chicken is sold at 300-340 taka/kg (up from 270-280 taka last week). Broiler chicken costs 200-210 taka/kg (up from 180 taka). Red layer chickens are 330 taka/kg, and Desi chicken is 750 taka/kg.
Beef: Beef prices range 800-850 taka/kg, up about 50 taka from last week. Khasir meat prices remain unchanged.
Fish: Medium-sized Rui is 350-420 taka/kg, Katla 380-450 taka, Pangas 200-220 taka, and Tilapia 250 taka. Hilsa ranges 200-500 taka, while Horns sell for 500-600 taka, Magur 550-650 taka, and shrimp 800-1200 taka/kg. Sellers noted that the supply of good-quality local fish is low, contributing to higher prices.
Consumers expressed concern over rising costs. Mahbub Alam, a private employee, said, “Rui fish I bought for 360 taka last week is now over 400. Chicken prices are also rising. It’s hard to manage household budgets.”
Housewife Rashida Khatun added, “Broiler chicken increased by 40 taka/kg. Even if eggs are stable, the cost of other items keeps going up while incomes stay the same.”
Sellers attribute the price rise to seasonal demand. A Rampura Bazar chicken seller said, “Demand is high due to winter, fasting, invitations, and Iftar events. Prices from farms have risen, so retail prices also increased.”
Fish sellers noted higher wholesale prices and transport costs as contributing factors. Eggs remain stable at 110 taka per dozen, thanks to steady supply.
At the start of Ramadan, demand surged, creating pressure in meat and fish markets. Consumers are concerned that prices may continue rising if supply does not normalize during the fasting month.
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