The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection has told the commerce secretary that broiler chicken is selling at twice its production cost and should not cost more than Tk 200 a kg.
Broiler chicken prices in Dhaka have risen by Tk 30 to Tk 40 a kg in three days to Tk 280-290, a record, even as Ramadan approaches.
Vegetables became dearer in Dhaka's markets ahead of Ramadan while broiler chicken held at last week's price and gram was the only item to get cheaper.
Chicken prices climbed again in Rangpur's markets within a week, while some vegetables rose, garlic and drumsticks fell, and fish, rice, lentils and oil held steady.
The consumer rights directorate chief has called for an investigation into why broiler chicken sells at Tk 250 a kg when production costs Tk 167.
With beef at Tk 750, broiler at Tk 240-250 and fish prices rising, middle- and low-income families in Dhaka can no longer afford fish or meat.
Rising prices of coarse rice, broiler chicken, pangas and tilapia and vegetables are hitting low-income shoppers in Dhaka's markets.
Green chilli, Pakistani chicken and some vegetables rose in Rangpur's markets over the week, with new drumsticks selling at Tk 190-200 a kg.
A bumper tomato harvest in coastal Bagerhat has pushed wholesale prices down to Tk 2 to 3 a kg, leaving farmers unable even to pay for picking.
Prices of every kind of chicken in Feni rose by Tk 40 to 50 a kg within a week, which sellers blame on higher feed prices.
Egg prices in Dhaka rose Tk 10 a hali in a week to Tk 50, and broiler chicken rose Tk 40 to 60 to Tk 200 to 220 a kg.
Paddy prices in Naogaon have risen by Tk 50 to 80 a maund in 15 days, though farmers are still squeezed by higher costs of goods, fertiliser and fuel.
New Aman paddy from the haor is piling up at Bhairab's wholesale depots in Kishoreganj, but traders say buyers are scarce because the government has not yet fixed its purchase price.
