DSCC Mayor Khokon blames extortion for spiralling price of beef

Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Sayeed Khokon has pointed to extortion in the cattle market for soaring price of beef during Ramadan.

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

After a meeting with the meat sellers, the government set the price of beef at Tk 525 per kg during Ramadan. But most of the traders violated the agreement, citing higher toll fairs and extortions at the Gabtoli cattle market.  

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.