United News of Bangladesh

The prices of dates surged by as much as Tk 50 per kilogram in Dhaka on the first day of Ramadan, even as traders and officials say supplies remain adequate and import duties were recently reduced to stabilise the market. Zahidi dates, a popular choice among middle, and lower-income consumers, were selling for Tk 350 per kg on Thursday, up from Tk 280-300 earlier this week. Compared with the first day of Ramadan last year, the variety is nearly Tk 100 per kg more expensive. Lower-priced loose or ‘bosta’ dates were trading at Tk 250–280 per kg, up from Tk 220–250 two days ago, according to visits to several retail markets in the capital. Premium varieties saw even steeper price points. ‘Ajwa’ dates were selling for up to Tk 1,000 per kg, while Medjool reached Tk 1,650-1,800 per kg. Mid-range varieties such as Mabroom and Kalmi Maryam were priced between Tk 850 and Tk 950 per kg. The increase comes despite a recent decision by the National Board of Revenue to cut import duties on dates to 15 percent from 25 percent ahead of Ramadan, a move aimed at keeping prices in check during peak demand. According to official data, Bangladesh’s annual demand for dates ranges between 90,000 and 100,000 tonnes, with Ramadan accounting for 60,000 to 80,000 tonnes. Current reserves are about 25 percent higher than total demand, suggesting no immediate supply shortfall. Some traders attributed the spike to market speculation. A rumour about 150 containers of dates sinking near Thailand has circulated in recent days, prompting concerns among retailers. However, wholesalers in Dhaka said prices at the wholesale level have not risen. “There has been no increase in wholesale prices,” said Abdur Rahim, a fruit trader with 27 years of experience at Badamtoli, one of the capital’s main wholesale markets, in a phone interview. Consumers expressed frustration over the sudden increase. Mohammad Azizul, a buyer in the Motijheel area, said he paid Tk 350 per kg for Zahidi dates on Thursday after purchasing the same variety for Tk 280 last week. 10 lakh families to get affordable protein-rich food during Ramadan “If prices change this quickly, many of us will have to reconsider buying dates,” he said, urging authorities to monitor the market. Retailers, meanwhile, maintained that supply remains sufficient across markets in Dhaka, even as prices climbed at the consumer level on the first day of the fasting month.

The holy month of Ramadan will start on Thursday as the crescent moon was sighted in the sky over Bangladesh on Wednesday. The National Moon Sighting Committee took the decision at a meeting held at Islamic Foundation’s Baitul Mukarram office in Dhaka. Muslims are meant to fast from dawn to dusk during the month, a time of restraint and austerity. An overview of Ramadan and how Muslims observe the sacred month

Bangladesh’s markets have enough key food items ahead of Ramadan and traders say steady supplies should help keep prices stable during the fasting month. They made the remarks at a stakeholders’ meeting in Motijheel reviewing the import, stock, supply and price situation of essentials for Ramadan. At the meeting, the traders assured the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) that there is no scope for abnormal price hikes during the holy month. Leaders of retail and wholesale market associations said sufficient stocks of edible oil, sugar, onion, pulses and other daily necessities are available in the country. They noted that maintaining smooth supply would keep prices stable, while urging authorities to strictly curb extortion at different stages of the supply chain. Consumers were also requested not to engage in panic buying that could create artificial pressure on the market. Traders further appealed to the Ministry of Commerce and relevant authorities, through FBCCI, to stop harassment of retailers in the name of market monitoring during Ramadan, arguing that small traders are not responsible for market instability. They called on importers and large corporate entities to ensure uninterrupted supply of essentials. FBCCI Administrator Md Abdur Rahim Khan said this year’s Ramadan is particularly important as it will begin just days after the 13th national parliamentary election. “Considering public interest, business leaders and trade bodies must act with greater responsibility,” Rahim said, adding that large industrial groups should ensure steady supply and market monitoring should not turn into harassment. He said FBCCI would place the meeting’s observations before the appropriate authorities. Bangladesh Sugar Traders Association President Md Abul Hashem said there would be no sugar shortage if mills ensure timely supply. He added that alongside corporate imports, government-led sugar imports would enhance competition and help keep prices affordable. Bangladesh Wholesale Edible Oil Traders Association President Md Golam Maula urged the government to strengthen oversight at the importer and large corporate level, rather than focusing market monitoring only on retailers, to keep prices stable. Meghna Group of Industries Deputy General Manager Taslim Shahriar said adequate stocks of edible oil and sugar are available to meet Ramadan demand. He, however, cautioned that port operations, transportation and customs clearance could face some disruption due to election-related holidays, though no other supply-chain constraints were anticipated. Leaders of kitchen market associations also indicated that prices of vegetables and other perishables would remain within consumers’ reach during Ramadan, noting that prices of all vegetables—except lemon—are currently normal. While traders expressed optimism, market analysts voiced caution; Consumer Association of Bangladesh (CAB) General Secretary Advocate Humayun Kabir Bhuiyan warned of potential risks, citing possible energy shortages during Ramadan and the post-election transition period, which could weaken market oversight and allow unscrupulous elements to exploit the situation. Representatives from FBCCI’s general council, various trade bodies, Bangladesh Bank, the Ministry of Commerce, National Board of Revenue, Trade and Tariff Commission, Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, Competition Commission, TCB and several agriculture and livestock departments, along with industry representatives, were present at the meeting.

After a long day of fasting, we tend to get more interest in delicious food in iftar. But iftar food should not only be tasty and nutritious, but it should also be healthy. Most of the iftar items sold in the market are adulterated, which are deadly harmful to our health. Hence, Proper and healthy iftar is a very important issue to maintain physical health during the month of Ramadan. Only a balanced and healthy iftar can meet the proper nutritional needs as well as keep the body healthy and active. The iftar menu should be arranged in such a way that it is suitable for everyone. Here will discuss popular and healthy iftar item you can make at home. Popular Iftar Items When it comes to popular iftar items, we understand the different fried items. Our iftar remains incomplete without the fried items such as Chop, Peyaju, Pakora, and other oily items. However, these iftar items are not healthy for our body, especially when we eat them for months. The continuous consumption of this item may cause issues with gastric ulcers, heartburn, and more. You may take them once in a while or a small amount every day during Ramadan. Also read: Islamic Foundation releases Sehri, iftar timings Here we have listed a few popular fried iftar Items.  Egg Chop Many of us would like to have egg chop in our iftar. Especially children like this food very much. That's why many people tend to buy egg chops from outside or make this at home. However, making egg chop can be tricky for some people. For those who don't know the easiest recipe for egg chop, here we have explained briefly. Ingredients you will need boiled eggs, boiled potatoes, chopped onions, chili, chili powder, salt, bread crumbs, beaten eggs, and oil. Boil the eggs and potatoes and peel them off, and cut each egg in half (depends on individuals). Mix the boiled potatoes with onion powder, raw chili powder, coriander leaf powder, chili powder, and salt very well. Now fill the whole boiled egg inside the potato mixture and make it in the shape of a chop. Beat 2 eggs with a little salt. Dip the chops in the egg yolks, wrap them in bread crumbs and keep them in the fridge for some time. Also read:'No iftar gatherings, sehri in mosques during Ramadan' Now take the chops out of the fridge and deep fry them in oil so that the brown color comes. When done, serve hot on the iftar table. (we did not mention the amount of each ingredient as it varies on individual's taste the required quantity, you can use ingredients according to your needs) Beguni Beguni is one of the different foods in Iftar and adds an extra flavor to Iftar. Required ingredients are thinly sliced eggplants, finely ground, 1 cup of gram lentils, 1 tablespoon of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of coriander powder, 1/3 teaspoon of cumin paste, 1/2 teaspoon of ginger paste, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic paste, 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cornflour, 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, amount of salt, amount of water, 1 egg, amount of oil for frying eggplant. To make the Bason mixture, take the gram flour in a bowl and mix all the ingredients well except the eggplant, water, eggs, and oil. After that, heat the taken oil in a saucepan to start frying. Then dip the thinly sliced ​​eggplant in the besan mixture and fry it in deep oil till it turns brown. The fun item of Iftar became purple. Piyaju Piyaju is one of the main ingredients of Iftar and Iftar is not complete without it. However, Piyaju making procedure is simple, like a piece of cake. Also read: Shops finally start selling Iftar delicacies on a limited scale Ingredients you need, Lentil paste 1/2 cup, onion powder 1 cup, raw chili powder 1 teaspoon, coriander powder 1 tablespoon, ginger paste 1 teaspoon, garlic paste 1 teaspoon, mint leaf powder 1 tablespoon, salt and oil as required. Mix all the ingredients with the lentil paste and fry in different sizes, from large to small, as per your choice. You can add any sauce or chaat masala if you want during the service. Healthy Iftar Items Healthy iftar items provide full nutrition and keep the body light. Following healthy food items should be your top priority during Ramadan to ensure a healthy life. Chicken Salad 1 Cup of chicken salad and other ingredients can get you 508 calories. Required ingredients are 1 cup of boneless chicken, 2 tablespoons of flour, 1 teaspoon of onion powder (can also be made with onion), 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika powder/half teaspoon of red chili powder, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, Half a teaspoon of oregano (available in super shops), a little bit of dried chili powder, 1 tablespoon of tomato ketchup, salt to taste, 1 tablespoon of oil, cucumber slices, carrots, tomatoes, lettuce slices and lemon juice, a little olive oil. Mix all the ingredients of the meat without oil and marinate for 10 minutes. One hour is better. First, heat the oil in a pan and cook the marinated meat on medium heat. When fried, take it down. Now add chopped cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, lettuce to the salad with a little salt, fried crispy noodles, lemon juice, and a little olive oil. Juice It is very healthy to drink the juice of different fruits like orange, mango, apple, mixed fruit, etc. You can blend it if you want; you can also buy good quality juice. Eating cold juice also keeps your stomach cold and boosts up digestion. Also, it can relieve dehydration. Juice from one cup or 249 grams of fruit can get you roughly 136 calories. Read Most creative ways to eat more fruits for the non-fruit eaters Soup Soup but very effective, is a healthy option for iftar. You can easily make soup with ingredients like mushrooms, tomatoes, garlic, prawns, chicken, vegetables, etc. Soup is high in protein, minerals, fiber, vitamins, low-calorie, and low-fat, which is 100% nutritious and delicious. Depending on the ingredients, one cup of soup can be a source of 50-140 calories. Chira Chira is an excellent item for iftar, and it can satisfy hunger by keeping the stomach cool by eliminating the lack of water. It can be made by soaking them in water or cooking chira in different ways. However, banana slices, yogurt, and soaked chira mix can retain your energy after fasting the whole day. Depending on the yogurt type, you can get approximately 200 calories from this iftar item. Apart from these items, you can also easily make very tasty and healthy iftar items with eggs, flour, rice, potatoes, honey, etc. Besides, try to use a very little amount of oil if your fry something. You can also easily make very tasty and healthy iftar items with eggs, flour, rice, potatoes, honey, etc. And try to oil the folds very little. Read Pink Chai: Kashmiri Tea Health Benefits, Recipe.