Market Manipulation Squeezes Both Farmers and Consumers

A deep crisis is brewing in Bangladesh's poultry sector as marginal farmers face bankruptcy while consumers grapple with skyrocketing prices. While broiler chicken is being sold at the farm level for just 145 Tk/kg, retail prices in the capital have surged to 220 Tk/kg, leaving a massive profit margin in the hands of middlemen and "unscrupulous circles."

Farmers are currently selling at a loss. Alamgir Hossain, a veteran farmer from Tangail, reports that production costs have reached 145 Tk/kg for broiler and 11 Tk per egg. However, wholesale prices often drop as low as 140 Tk/kg and 7.5 Tk per egg.

"I have never seen feed prices rise like this in twenty years," Alamgir said. "We are suffering daily losses, yet the consumer is paying over 200 Taka. None of that profit reaches us."

The situation for other poultry varieties is even more dire Sonali (Golden) Chicken Increased by 100 Tk, now selling at 430 Tk/kg. Deshi (Local) Chicken: Hit a staggering 800 Tk/kg, up from 650 Tk just two weeks ago.

Consumers in markets like Nayabazar expressed frustration. "Even during Ramadan, prices weren't this high," said Sayed Al Mamun, a local buyer. "After Eid, everything spiked. Broiler chicken, once the protein of the poor, is now becoming a luxury."

Retailers claim their hands are tied, citing a 20-30 Tk/kg hike at the wholesale level. Wholesalers in Kaptan Bazar, such as Sohel, pointed toward the Middle East conflict as a catalyst. They argue that a fuel crisis has led to increased transport fares and a dwindling supply chain.

However, consumer rights advocates disagree. SM Nazer Hossain, Vice President of CAB, labeled these as "pretexts." He criticized the lack of accountability and urged supervisory agencies to crack down on dishonest traders using international tensions to justify domestic price gouging.

The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) stated that daily operations are underway. "We are investigating the price gap between the farm, wholesale, and retail levels to ensure no one is making illegal profits," a source from the department confirmed.