He made the comments on Thursday during a visit to the kitchen market in Dhaka’s Hatirpool on Thursday.
In recent years, butchers have been increasing beef prices, claiming extortion on highways and poor supply of cattle.
A consumer has to spend Tk 550 to purchase a kg of beef. But Tk 500 to Tk 600 is required to buy a mound of paddy.
Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Sayeed Khokon visits the kitchen market in Dhaka’s Hatirpool on Thursday as part of a market monitoring drive during Ramadan. Photo: Mahmud Zaman Ovi
A panel from Dhaka South City Corporation and the police monitor prices of essentials at the kitchen market in Dhaka’s Hatirpool on Thursday. Photo: Mahmud Zaman Ovi
Echoing the traders, Khokon said, “We spoke to the meat sellers. They complained that they can’t reduce the beef price due to extortion at Gabtoli cattle market. That’s why the beef price is relatively higher.”
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police was informed of the issue, he said. “The meat traders will be able to sell beef at a fair price once the extortions are thwarted.”
The mayor claimed that the prices of essentials remained within the reach of common people this year compared to last year.