On the first day of Ramadan, chicken prices in the capital rose by Tk 20 to Tk 100 per kg, depending on the variety.
The information was gathered from buyers and sellers during visits to Karwan Bazar and Rampura markets.
Beef was selling at Tk 800 to Tk 850 per kg, up from Tk 750 to Tk 780 before Ramadan. Mutton remained unchanged at Tk 1,200
per kg.
In Karwan Bazar, broiler chicken was selling at Tk 200 per kg, up from Tk 180 a week ago. Local chicken rose to Tk 750 from Tk 580-Tk 680. Sonali chicken was priced at Tk 300 to Tk 340, while red layer chicken increased from Tk 280 to Tk 330 per kg.
Sumon, an employee of Sata Chicken Shop at Karwan Bazar Kitchen Market, said all varieties had become costlier over the past week.
Vegetable prices also remained high. Lemons were selling at Tk 60 to Tk 120 per kg, cucumbers and brinjals at Tk 100 to Tk 120, potatoes at Tk 20, and onions at Tk 50 per kg.
Fish prices showed no sign of easing. Medium-sized rui was selling at Tk 350 to Tk 420 per kg, katla at Tk 380 to Tk 450, pangas at Tk 200 to Tk 220, and tilapia at Tk 220 to Tk 250. Hilsa ranged from Tk 1,200 to Tk 2,500 depending on size. Shing was priced at Tk 500 to Tk 600, magur at Tk 550 to Tk 650, and shrimp at Tk 800 to Tk 1,200 per kg.
Some traders cited a shortage of quality local fish for the higher prices.
Mahbub Alam, a private-sector employee shopping at Rampura Kitchen Market, said, "The market has gone up since Ramadan began. The fish I bought for Tk 360 last week is now over Tk 400. Chicken prices have also increased. It is becoming difficult to manage the family budget."
Rashida Khatun, a housewife from Banasree, said, "Chicken prices are usually higher during Ramadan, but this time everything is costlier. Broiler has increased by Tk 40 per kg. Eggs offer some relief, but other essentials keep getting more expensive. Income is not rising, but expenses increase every week."
Sellers attributed the hike to seasonal demand. A trader at Rampura Market said demand for sonali chicken rises during Ramadan, weddings and social gatherings, while farms have also raised prices.
Fish trader Abdul Halim said reduced river catches, higher transport costs and increased wholesale prices have pushed up retail rates, though profit margins remain slim.
The egg market, however, remained stable, with a dozen selling at Tk 110, unchanged from last week due to steady supply.
Traders said demand typically rises at the start of Ramadan, putting pressure on meat and fish markets. Buyers fear prices may climb further if supply does not improve in the coming weeks.
