BHOLA, Feb 24: To keep the prices of protein-rich foods manageable during the holy month of Ramadan, a special programme to sell milk, eggs, and chicken at affordable rates has been launched in Bhola.
This initiative is a joint effort by the District Livestock Department and the District Administration, operating under the slogan 'Amishei Shakti, Amishei Mukti" (Protein is Strength, Protein is Freedom).
The programme was inaugurated on the premises of the District Livestock Office on Tuesday afternoon by Additional District Magistrate Md. Belal Hossain. On the occasion, he stated that the government has taken various steps to reduce the cost of living for ordinary people. Supplying protein foods at reasonable prices during Ramadan is part of that effort, which will help ease pressure on the market and benefit the general public.
According to the District Livestock Office, approximately 200,000 eggs, 2,000 kg of chicken meat, and 2,000 litres of milk will be sold throughout Ramadan at government-fixed prices using mobile vans. This activity will be carried out daily at designated locations.
Present at the inaugural event were District Livestock Officer Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, Bhola Sadar Upazila Livestock Officer Dr. Shahin Mahmud, Organising Secretary of the Bhola District Dairy Farm Association Kamrul Hasan Khokon, and local farmers.
District Livestock Officer Mohammad Rafiqul Islam said, the programme would continue throughout the month. He expressed hope that it would somewhat alleviate the extra financial burden of essential commodities on lower and middle-income families.
Conversations with buyers at the sales centre revealed that the prices of eggs, milk, and chicken have increased several times in the open market ahead of Ramadan. In this situation, the government's initiative to sell products at subsidised prices has brought some relief to the common people.
One buyer, Kamrul Islam, said, "Market prices are increasing every day. It's becoming difficult to manage my family's needs. I'm getting these items at a slightly lower price here, so it's helpful. However, if the supply could be increased further, more people would benefit."
Another buyer, Rafiqul Haque, commented, "Expenses naturally go up during Ramadan. The demand for protein foods is high for iftar and sehri. This is a good initiative, but it would bring greater relief to the public if the price difference compared to the market rate were wider."
Another purchaser, Shawkat Hossain, noted, "Because of government oversight, we trust the quality of the products here. However, there needs to be more publicity about the sales locations and times so that people in the villages can also benefit equally."
