Beef Prices Remain Out of Reach for Many

As the holy festival of Eid-ul-Fitr approaches, markets across Moulvibazar, including local neighbourhood bazaars, have seen brisk sales of cow and buffalo meat. Yet, the soaring prices have placed this staple beyond the reach of daily wage earners and low-income households. For many families, the desire to serve meat during the festival remains unfulfilled, leaving children and other family members without a traditional celebratory meal.

In the markets of Moulvibazar’s various upazilas, vendors report a steady demand for beef and buffalo meat. Prices currently range between 800 and 850 Bangladeshi taka per kilogram, varying by vendor and quality. Despite this active trade, low-income residents say they cannot afford even small quantities. Rising costs of basic necessities, such as rice and lentils, have made purchasing meat an unrealistic luxury. Some families, they say, may not be able to buy broiler chicken for months, let alone beef.

Daily labourer Samuj Mia described the difficulty: “I last ate beef during Eid-ul-Adha almost a year ago. The price now is 800 taka per kilogram, so half a kilo costs 400 taka. I earn only 400–500 taka a day. After buying rice and lentils, there’s nothing left for meat. Eating beef is a distant dream for us.”

Similarly, worker Rafik Mia explained, “Every year during Eid, we get a chance to eat meat, but for the rest of the year, people like us rarely have it on our plates.”

Meat seller Belayet Mia noted, “We sell as much meat as people want to buy. However, prices have risen sharply. Customers who used to buy 10–20 kilograms now only purchase 2–3 kilograms. Middle-income families still buy some meat, but the lower-income group buys very little.”

Current Meat Prices in Moulvibazar Markets

The widening gap between wages and food prices highlights a growing challenge for vulnerable communities, particularly during festive seasons. For many residents of Moulvibazar, Eid remains a time of aspiration rather than indulgence, as families struggle to maintain even modest celebrations amidst economic pressures.