TBT DESK: The government has expanded its subsidised sale of essential food items during Ramadan, ensuring affordability and availability for consumers across Bangladesh. The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, in collaboration with the Department of Livestock Services and relevant stakeholders, has launched an extensive mobile sales programme to stabilise prices and maintain a steady supply of animal protein products throughout the holy month.
From the 1st to the 28th of Ramadan, dressed broiler chicken, eggs, pasteurised milk, and beef are being sold at subsidised prices in Dhaka and nationwide. The initiative, which began on March 1, has already benefited 609,430 buyers, including 396,586 men and 212,844 women as of March 19. The total sales under this programme have amounted to Tk 1.98 billion, covering essential items such as milk, eggs, dressed broiler chicken, beef, and mutton. Authorities report that these efforts have contributed to price stability and ensured an adequate supply of these items across the country.
To further strengthen the initiative, the government has prioritised areas where public participation was notably high during the July Revolution. Accordingly, 25 mobile sales centres were initially established in Dhaka at the beginning of Ramadan. From March 23, an additional 23 centres will be introduced in Dhaka, along with three in Narayanganj and 14 across seven divisional offices. These additional centres will enhance the distribution of key food items, addressing the growing demand during Ramadan.
Under this programme, essential food items will be sold at the following nationwide rates: eggs at Tk 100 per dozen (previously Tk 108), dressed broiler chicken at Tk 250 per kg, pasteurised milk at Tk 80 per litre, and beef at Tk 650 per kg.
In Dhaka, the initial 25 mobile sales centres have been set up at key locations, including the Secretariat, Khamarbari, Azimpur Maternity Hospital, Naya Bazar, Banasree, Hazaribagh, Arambagh, Mohammadpur, Kalshi, Jatrabari, Shahjadpur, Korail Slum, Banani, Kamrangirchar, Khilgaon, Nakhla Para, Segun Bagicha, Bosila, Uttara, Rampura, Mirpur 10, Kalyanpur, Tejgaon, Old Dhaka (Bangabazar), and Kakrail.
The newly added 26 sales locations in Dhaka include Asad Gate, Lalmatia Women's College, Shankar Plaza, Jigatola, Azimpur, New Paltan, Elephant Road, Jurain Kacha Bazar, Atibazar, Gabtoli, Mirpur 6 Bazar, Shewrapara, Kachukhet Bazar, Uttara Azampur Kacha Bazar, Merul Badda, Moghbazar, Green Road, Bashundhara Evercare Hospital, Basabo Buddhist Temple, Middle Badda Link Road, Joar Sahara, Uttara Khalpar, Rampura Hajipara, and Lalbagh Orphanage.
In Narayanganj, the initiative will operate at the DC Office Chan Mari, Chashara Chattar, and Tarakar Math in Kutubpur.
The expansion of this subsidised sales programme is expected to ensure food security and affordability for consumers during Ramadan, reinforcing the government's commitment to stabilising market prices and supporting low-income households. The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has assured that it will continue monitoring the programme to ensure its effectiveness throughout the holy month.