Today is the first Friday of Ramadan. On the one hand, the weekly market on the occasion of the holiday and on the other hand, the prices of fish and meat have increased in various markets in the capital, keeping in mind the demand for special Iftar arrangements. In particular, the prices of golden chicken, beef and several medium-quality fish have increased by 20 to 50 taka compared to the previous week.

This picture of the market was obtained after visiting several markets including Rampura Bazar, Banasree 'A' Block Raw Market in the capital and talking to the concerned people.

Today, golden chicken is being sold at 300 to 340 taka per kg. A week ago, this chicken was available at 270 to 280 taka. Broiler chicken is being sold at a price of 200-210 taka, which was sold at 180 taka last week. In addition, red layer chicken is being sold at 330 taka and desi chicken is being sold at 750 taka. Vendors say that the prices have increased due to increased demand for Iftar and various family arrangements during Ramadan.

Beef is being sold at 800 to 850 taka per kg, which was 750 to 780 taka before Ramadan. That is, it has increased by about 50 taka per kg. The price of mutton remains unchanged; it is being sold at 1,200 taka per kg.

There is no relief in the fish market either. Medium-sized rui is being sold at 350 to 420 taka per kg, katla at 380 to 450 taka, pangas at 200 to 220 taka and tilapia at 220 to 250 taka. The price of hilsa is between 1,200 and 2,500 taka depending on the size. In addition, hornfish is being sold at 500 to 600 taka, magur at 550 to 650 taka and shrimp at 800 to 1,200 taka per kg. Some sellers said that the prices are a bit high due to the low supply of good quality local fish.

Mahbub Alam, a private sector employee who came to the Rampura Raw Market to shop, said, “The market has gone up another notch since the start of Ramadan. The fish I bought for 360 taka last week is now over 400 taka. The price of chicken has also increased. It is becoming difficult to keep the family’s budget in check.”

Rashida Khatun, a housewife from Banasree area, said, “The price of chicken during Ramadan is a little higher. But when I came to the market, I saw that the price of everything was higher. Broiler chicken has increased by 40 taka per kg. Although eggs have given some relief, the cost of other things is increasing. Income is not increasing, but expenses are increasing every week.”

However, sellers are blaming seasonal demand for the price increase. A chicken seller in Rampura Market said, “During the end of winter, Ramadan, weddings, invitations, iftar mahfils are coming up—all in all, the demand for golden chicken is high. The farm is also increasing the price a little. That’s why we have to sell it at a higher price.”

Fish trader Abdul Halim said, “There is less local fish in the river now. Most of it is farmed fish. Transportation costs, ice prices, all in all, are high in the wholesale market. We are not making much profit, but due to the wholesale price, there is a little extra in the retail market.”

However, the egg market is relatively stable. A dozen eggs are being sold for 110 taka, which is the same as last week. Sellers say that the price has not increased for the time being because the supply of eggs is good.

A visit to the market shows that the fish and meat market has been pressured by the increase in demand at the beginning of Ramadan. Buyers are uncertain whether this trend will continue throughout the month. They fear that if the supply is not normal, the price may increase further in the middle of Ramadan.