Eid festive mood still lingers in city kitchen mkts

The festive mood of Eid-ul-Azha still lingers in the capital, with many residents yet to return from their homes outside capital. As a result, customer turnout at kitchen markets across Dhaka remains low. Despite the reduced demand, most vegetables continue to be sold at relatively high prices, while the prices of other essential commodities have shown little sign of easing.

A visit to several markets in the capital on Friday revealed that many fish, meat and egg shops have yet to resume full operations following the Eid holidays. Although most meat outlets remained closed, vendors at the poultry shops that were open were seen waiting for customers.

Broiler chicken is currently selling at Tk 170-180 per kg, while cockerel chicken is priced at Tk 340-350 per kg and layer chicken at Tk 380-400 per kg. A dozen red eggs are being sold at Tk 120, white eggs at Tk 110, and duck eggs at Tk 160-170.

A vendor at Aslam Ali chicken House in Segun Bagicha kitchen market said, "We reopened today, but sales are very slow. Many people are still in their villages, and households are stocked with sacrificial meat, reducing demand for chicken. This situation may continue for a few more weeks, and chicken prices could decline further."

Another trader said there were hardly any customers in the market and business activity would pick up once city residents returned after the holidays.

Despite the low number of shoppers, vegetable prices remain on an upward trend. Buyers said that the prices of some vegetables have nearly doubled compared with normal periods.