The Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has fixed the maximum prices of beef and mutton at Tk450 and Tk720 per kilogram, respectively, ahead of Ramadan.
In addition, the price of buffalo meat was fixed at Tk420 and local lamb at Tk600, making them Tk20 per kg cheaper compared to last year.
DSCC Mayor Sayeed Khokon announced the prices during a view exchange meeting with members of the Bangladesh Meat Traders Association at the Nagar Babhan in Dhaka on Monday.
DSCC also gave a directive to super shops to follow the prices.
Last year, DSCC had fixed the maximum price of beef at Tk475 per kg and mutton at Tk725 per kg, with buffalo going at Tk440, lamb being available at Tk620, and foreign beef set at Tk440.
“The newly fixed prices will take effect from the first day of Ramadan,” the mayor said.
“Keep the prices within the purchasing power of the public, maintain the quality of meat, and do not tamper with weights. Earlier, other businessmen assured me that they would not be increasing the prices of essential commodities in Ramadan, so I hope you will follow suit,” he added.
“If any traders flout the directive, we will take harsh measures against them as per law,” he also said.
Furthermore, the mayor assured meat traders that necessary steps would be taken to fulfil their demand for a permanent cattle market in the city.
Secretary General of Meat Traders Association Rabiul Alam said: “There is no slaughterhouse in the city corporation area. We need a modern and healthy slaughterhouse here.”
He claimed that illegal extra taxes at the Gabtoli cattle market exploits the cow traders there, and hence a permanent Qurbani haat is required within the DSCC jurisdiction.