With Eid-ul-Fitr approaching, shoppers across the capital are feeling the pinch as prices of fish, meat and essential spices climb in markets, adding pressure to festive preparations.
Traders said the prices of these key food items have gone up compared to normal times as demand rises ahead of the festival.
A visit to several markets showed that prices of beef and mutton have increased slightly in recent weeks. Local chicken is now selling for around Tk 680 per kg, while poultry chicken is priced at about Tk 220 per kg.
Spices widely used in traditional Eid dishes have also become more expensive. The prices of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, cumin and dried chilli have risen compared to the past few weeks.
Vendors said they are being forced to buy these items at higher rates from wholesale markets due to increased demand ahead of Eid, which is reflected in retail prices.
