Amidst the high prices of every essential kitchen product, the cost of beef has dramatically dropped by at least Tk150 to Tk200 per kg in various markets in the capital.
Just a few days ago, beef was being sold at Tk750-800 per kg, but now it can be found at Tk580-600 per kg in different shops.
In areas like Lalbagh, Hazaribagh, Kamrangirchar, Malibagh, and Jatrabari in the capital, beef is available at Tk600 per kg.
On Fridays, a significant crowd gathers at the meat shops in the morning and customers have been buying 3kgs to 5kgs of meat, taking advantage of the reduced cost.
Najmus Sakib, who came to Dhaka to study, was seen waiting in line to buy meat for his home. He said: "Being a bachelor, the increase in the prices of commodities has changed our eating habits. After Eid-ul-Adha, I have not bought meat from the market, but I am planning to buy 2 kgs of meat due to the reduced prices."
Even though there is a sense of relief due to the decreased meat prices, there is still a slight tension evident in the faces of the crowd.
Mohammad Baharuddin, a customer, expressed his happiness about the lower meat prices, saying: "We are happy about the reduction in meat prices. I have come to buy meat for my daughters; they really like beef."
While the profit per kilogram has decreased slightly, the sales have multiplied.
Nadeem, a meat trader in Nawabganj Bazar, said: "The beef price per kg has decreased by Tk150-200 compared to before. However, bones and fat are included in the meat, and the quality remains the same as before. Earlier, it was difficult to sell the meat of one cow; now we are selling meat of two to three cows easily."
Nawabganj Bazar Owners Association President Yar Mohammad said: "I have been the president of this market for the past 18 years, and I have never seen meat prices decrease so much. The decrease in prices is good; sales have increased for traders, and common people can now buy meat as per their demand."
On the other hand, in areas like Rayer Bazar, Bou Bazar, and Mohammadpur, some meat shops were still selling meat at Tk700-750 per kg. They argue that, considering the quality, the price is justified.
The traders said only those who add bones, fat, and water to the meat can afford to sell it at a lower price.
In the Mohammadpur Bihari Camp wholesale market, beef was being sold at Tk700 per kg. Riyadh Hossain, a wholesale meat buyer said: "I have a small shop myself. I bought wholesale meat at Tk700 per kg here. It is not possible to sell meat at Tk600 after incurring losses."