Renowned Pakistani singer Atif Aslam has once again captivated audiences with his latest spiritual release, Ya Nabi Salam Alaika. Known for his heartfelt renditions of religious poetry, Atif continues to inspire listeners with his soulful performances.  In this new recitation, he collaborates with esteemed artists Ahsan Parvaiz Mehdi and Kumail Jaffery, delivering a moving tribute to the essence of Ramadan, according to dunyanews. Set against a breathtaking natural backdrop, the rendition exudes tranquility and devotion, enhancing the spiritual ambiance of the holy month.  Will Smith to release first album in 20 years Atif Aslam, who enjoys a massive international following, has consistently expressed his deep appreciation for religious recitals, considering them among his most meaningful works. His spiritual releases have strengthened his bond with listeners, offering them solace and a sense of connection.  Since its release, Ya Nabi Salam Alaika has garnered widespread acclaim on social media, with fans praising its sincerity and calming arrangement. Many have expressed gratitude for Atif’s contribution to the spiritual beauty of Ramadan, calling it a cherished addition to this year’s celebrations.  With each release, Atif continues to bridge the gap between music and spirituality, leaving a lasting impression on his audience.

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Monday instructed the law enforcement agencies to adopt a stricter stance against crimes and disturbing activities. "Strict legal action will be taken against criminals and justice will be ensured through due process. No one will be spared,” he said while talking to reporters after an early morning visit to four police stations in Dhaka—Tejgaon, Dhanmondi, Shahbagh, and New Market police stations. No place for rapist in Bangladesh: Home Adviser Responding to reporters’ queries, the adviser said the government is committed to maintaining law and order during Ramadan. "To ensure security, around 100 checkpoints have been set up at strategic points across the capital, and patrols have been intensified in crime-prone areas," he said. Senior officials from the Home Ministry were assigned to monitor nighttime security operations at the checkpoints and patrol teams, he added. "The law will take its course against those engaging in organised mob activities, theft, robbery, extortion, rape, and violence against women and children," he warned. The visits were part of an initiative to reinforce law and order during the holy month. During his visit, the adviser inspected the reception areas, detention cells, and other facilities at the police stations. Magura child rapist to be brought to justice: Home Adviser He gave necessary directives to law enforcement personnel to to remain more vigilant, proactive, and alert in carrying out their responsibilities. On his way, Lt Gen Jahangir also visited several checkpoints set up at key locations in Dhaka and spoke with the officers stationed there.

During Ramadan 2025, iOS and Android apps provide an easy way to learn and listen to the Holy Quran anytime, anywhere. These apps offer recitations, translations, and interactive learning tools to enhance your spiritual journey.  Best iOS and Android Apps to Learn, Recite & Listen to Holy Quran in This Ramadan  . Al Quran (Tafsir & by Word) Al Quran (Tafsir & by Word) is a powerful app designed to help users understand and memorise the Quran effectively. Rated 4.8/5, it is completely free with no ads and varies in download size depending on the device.  Developed by the Greentech Apps Foundation (GTAF), the app provides word-by-word meanings in multiple languages, including English, Bangla, Urdu, and German, allowing users to grasp the Quran’s depth. It includes colour-coded Tajweed rules for accurate recitation, making it beginner-friendly.  Read more: How to Get Traffic Updates in Dhaka: Useful Apps and Sources With over 70 translations and tafsirs in 35+ languages, including renowned works like Tafsir Ibn Kathir and Tafsir Jalalayn, users can gain deep insights. The app features audio recitations from 30+ famous Qaris with customisable playback speed, a Quran Planner to track Khatmah completion, bookmarking, and a Mushaf mode for an authentic reading experience, making it an ideal app for Ramadan. Quranic: Learn Quran and Arabic Quranic is a unique learning app that teaches Arabic using interactive lessons derived from Quranic verses. Rated 4.8/5, it is free with in-app purchases and varies in download size by device. Developed by BusyPeople LLC, it uses gamification techniques, quizzes, and spaced repetition to reinforce learning.  Designed for beginners and advanced learners alike, it helps users understand Quranic vocabulary and sentence structure efficiently. The app’s intuitive interface and engaging format make it an excellent tool for anyone looking to enhance their comprehension of Quranic Arabic. Tarteel: Quran A.I. Tarteel is an innovative AI-powered Quran app that listens to users’ recitations and provides real-time feedback. Rated 4.7/5, it is a freemium app with no ads and varies in download size by device. Developed by Tarteel Inc., it helps users improve their memorisation and pronunciation by detecting mistakes and offering corrections.  Read more: Best Free Bangladeshi Online Doctor Apps for Android, iOS The premium version includes features such as memorisation mistake detection, advanced memorisation mode, and progress tracking. The app encourages habit-building through detailed analytics and personalised engagement goals. Users can set their own memorization targets and receive interactive guidance to perfect their recitation. Tarteel is an excellent choice for those focusing on Hifz and improving their Quranic fluency with AI-driven learning. Athan Athan is more than just a Quran app—it is a complete Islamic lifestyle app offering accurate prayer times, Adhan notifications, and a Qibla finder. Rated 4.7/5, it is free with ads and offers in-app purchases, with a download size that varies by device. Developed by IslamicFinder, the app includes a digital Quran with translations in over 45 languages, along with a Ramadan fasting tracker, Hajj and Umrah guides, and a personalised prayer log. The Athan Pink feature caters specifically to women’s prayer needs, providing Duas and a period tracker. Users can customise their Quran recitations, set prayer reminders, and access daily Islamic content, making it a valuable companion throughout Ramadan. Read more: 10 Best eBook Reader Apps for Android, iOS Quran by Quran.com  Quran by Quran.com is a minimalist app that offers a distraction-free reading experience. Rated 4.7/5, it is completely free and varies in download size depending on the device. Developed by Quran.com, it provides seamless navigation, extensive translations, and tafsirs in multiple languages.  The app is linked to the popular Quran.com website, ensuring users have access to high-quality, regularly updated content. With features like bookmarking, search functionality, and verse-by-verse study tools, this app is ideal for users who prefer a simple yet effective approach to reading and understanding the Quran. Quran Majeed Quran Majeed is a comprehensive app that provides a rich Quranic experience. Rated 4.6/5, it is free with ads and offers in-app purchases, with a download size that varies by device. Developed by Pakdata, it features high-quality Arabic text, translations in 45+ languages, and HD audio recitations from world-renowned Qaris.  Read more: 10 Grocery Shopping Apps in Bangladesh: An Overview The app also includes tools such as a Qibla compass, prayer times, and live streaming from Makkah and Medina. The memorisation mode offers Hifz tracking, repetition options, and verse bookmarking. With daily recitation reminders, tafsirs, and a Hijri calendar, Quran Majeed is an all-in-one tool for Muslims looking to enhance their Quranic engagement during Ramadan. Ayat: Al Quran Ayat: Al Quran is a comprehensive Quranic study app featuring multiple recitations, tafsirs, translations, and a powerful search function. Rated 4.6/5, it is free and varies in download size by device. Developed by King Saud University, it allows users to bookmark verses, take notes, and access an offline mode for uninterrupted study.  Its detailed word-by-word breakdown makes it an excellent tool for in-depth Quranic study and memorisation. The app is ideal for students, scholars, and anyone seeking a deeper connection with the Quran. Read more: 7 Food Delivery Apps for Dhaka Learn Quran Tajwid Learn Quran Tajwid is a comprehensive app designed to help users master Quranic recitation with proper Tajweed. Rated 4.5/5, it is free with ads and varies in download size by device. Developed by Learn Quran, it offers structured lessons suitable for beginners and advanced students. The app includes voice narration for Arabic characters, practice exercises with transliterations, and the ability to record and compare recitations.  It provides real Quranic examples, images, and videos for better understanding. The placement test helps users assess their Tajweed level, while progress tracking and automated evaluations ensure effective learning. Despite its rich features, some users find the frequent ads disruptive. Overall, it is a valuable tool for improving Tajweed and Quranic recitation. Learn To Read The Quran Learn To Read The Quran is designed for beginners who want to learn how to read the Quran from scratch. Rated 4.3/5, it is free with ads and varies in download size by device. Developed by Quran Ayat, it provides Arabic alphabet lessons with audio support, interactive reading exercises, and a built-in Quran for practice.  Read more: 10 Best Free Apps for Ramadan on Android and iOS By focusing on Tajweed and pronunciation, it ensures users develop a strong foundation in Quranic recitation. The app’s structured approach and easy-to-follow lessons make it perfect for learners of all ages. Quran Word by Word with Audio – eQuran Teacher Quran Word by Word with Audio – eQuran Teacher provides a word-by-word breakdown of Quranic verses along with synchronised audio recitations. Rated 4.3/5, it is free and varies in download size by device.  Developed by ImaginaryTech, it allows users to listen to individual words, phrases, or complete verses to improve their pronunciation and memorisation.  The app includes Roman transliterations, customisable repetition settings, and offline access. It is an excellent tool for those looking to enhance their understanding and fluency in Quranic recitation. Read more: Best Video Editing Apps for Android, IOS Final Words These top-rated Quran apps for iOS and Android provide various features to enhance your learning and listening experience during Ramadan 2025. Whether you seek memorisation tools, word-by-word recitation, or AI-powered feedback, these apps offer valuable resources for deepening your connection with the Quran. Choose the one that best suits your needs and enrich your spiritual journey.  Read more: Best Free Personal Safety Android, iOS Apps for Women

District administration and the district livestock office of Chattogram have started the sale of milk, eggs, and meat at subsidised rates ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, aiming to provide the protein items at affordable prices.Deputy Commissioner Farida Khanam inaugurated the sale programme at Metro Livestock Department in Kotwali on Sunday, according to a press release of Consumers Association of Bangladesh in Chattogram on Monday. CAB demands postponement of gas price hike hearingIn line with the theme "Strength in Protein, Liberation in Protein," the sale program was launched, with prices set at Tk 700 for per kg beef, Tk 80 for per litre milk, and Tk 110 for per dozen eggs. The sale is being conducted through mobile trucks stationed at key locations in Chattogram cit including Kotwali, Kazir Dewri, Ambagan (Zautla), and Chawkbazar. CAB demands withdrawal of VAT, SD to ease inflation The CAB Chattogram team expressed hope that the programme would continue throughout Ramadan, providing residents with affordable animal products and helping to mitigate the shortage of animal protein in the region.

The first day (Sunday) of Ramadan saw a sharp rise in vegetable prices across the capital, with essentials such as aubergine, cucumber and lemon reaching record-high rates. A visit to several markets in Dhaka revealed that the price of aubergine, which was Tk 60-80 per kg just a few days ago, has now surged to Tk 100-120 per kg. Speaking to UNB, Abu Salam, a vegetable vendor at Malibagh market, said, "Prices of vegetables tend to be higher during the initial days of Ramadan, but they are expected to stabilise soon." Lemon prices have also skyrocketed. Previously selling at Tk 20-40 per four-piece unit, they are now being sold at Tk 80-120 per unit, depending on the variety. Elachi lemons are priced at Tk 70-80 per unit, Kagzi lemons at Tk 80-90, and Sharbat lemons at Tk 100-120. Essentials’ prices up in Khulna kitchen markets; low, mid-income consumers hit hard Similarly, cucumber prices have increased to Tk 90-110 per kg. However, tomato prices have remained relatively lower, ranging between Tk 40-50 per kg. Hasib, a customer at Malibagh market, commented, "Prices of all popular vegetables for iftar have gone up, while the rates of bottle gourd, beans, ridge gourd, papaya, cauliflower, and bitter gourd remain unchanged." Price Hike in Fruits and Essential Commodities Fruit prices have also climbed despite an increase in date imports, which has led to a reduction in date prices by Tk 100-400 per kg. Watermelons, newly arrived in the market, are selling at Tk 50-60 per kg. Oranges are priced at Tk 280-300 per kg, while apples are being sold for Tk 300-320 per kg. Other fruits have also become expensive. Guava prices range from Tk 60-80 per kg, while melons cost Tk 50-100 per piece, depending on size. Green coconuts are being sold at Tk 120-180 per piece. Meanwhile, potato and onion prices have increased slightly, with onions selling at Tk 45-50 per kg and Tk 210-220 per maund. Potato prices have risen by Tk 10-15 per kg. The lentil market has also seen an uptick, with large-grain lentils selling at Tk 110 per kg, and small-grain ones at Tk 140 per kg. Locally produced chickpeas are priced at Tk 130-140 per kg, while Pakistani double chickpeas are being sold at Tk 180 per kg. Gram flour is available at Tk 180-200 per kg. Cooking Oil Crisis Despite Ramadan starting, the supply of soybean oil remains disrupted. Vendors report they are in contact with suppliers, but the expected stabilisation of oil supply has yet to materialise. Meat and Fish Poultry prices have risen by Tk 10-20 per kg. Sonali chicken, previously priced at Tk 280 per kg, is now selling for Tk 260-300 per kg. Broiler chicken is priced at Tk 200 per kg, while local chicken is selling at Tk 460-500 per kg. Beef prices have also increased by Tk 20-40 per kg. Previously selling at Tk 760-780 per kg, beef now costs Tk 800 per kg across different markets in the capital. Drives conducted in Dhaka’s kitchen markets to monitor prices of essentials Fish prices have also surged. Prawns are being sold at Tk 800-1,200 per kg, while Rui fish is priced at Tk 320-340 per kg. Katla fish costs Tk 350-380 per kg, Poa fish is available at Tk 500-600 per kg, Pabda at Tk 350-400 per kg, and Tilapia at Tk 200-240 per kg. The price of Shing fish stands at Tk 450-550 per kg, while Rupchanda is being sold at Tk 1,200-1,500 per kg. Market Monitoring in Demand While vendors expect prices to stabilise in the coming days, consumers are urging stricter market monitoring to prevent artificial price hikes and ensure fair pricing for essential commodities during the holy month of Ramadan.  

Breaking the Ramadan fast with a cool and refreshing drink is a true delight. Mojitos, with their zesty, minty, and citrusy flavors, are perfect for iftar. Instead of store-bought drinks, why not prepare homemade mojitos using local ingredients? From tangy green mango to sweet lychee, these special mojito recipes bring a twist of Bangladeshi flavors to your iftar table. Here are 10 unique mojito recipes that are colorful, delicious, and hydrating.  10 Nutritious and Tasty Mojito Recipes for This Ramadan . Classic Lemon-Mint Mojito Ingredients Juice of 1-1/2 lemon or to taste, 1/4 cup chilled water, 4 ice cubes or as needed, about 15 leaves of fresh mint, 4-5 tablespoons raw cane sugar or to taste, chilled Sprite or 7-Up (as required), and 4-5 hajmola or to taste Instructions First, crush the Hajmola into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle and set it aside. In a mason jar, combine raw cane sugar and chilled water, stirring well until the sugar dissolves. Add fresh mint leaves and gently muddle them with the back of a spoon to release their refreshing aroma and flavor.  Next, add ice cubes to keep the drink cool and invigorating. Pour in enough chilled Sprite or 7-Up to fill the Mason jar, enhancing the fizziness and sweetness. Finally, sprinkle the powdered Hajmola into the jar, mix well, and serve immediately for a tangy, refreshing drink.  Read more: Top 10 Date Varieties: Nutrition, Health Benefits, and Prices in Bangladesh Green Mango Mojito (Aam Panna) Ingredients 2 green mango (300 grams) raw medium size, 1 tablespoon black salt, 1 tablespoon roasted cumin powder, mint leaves, lemon, sugar syrup, and ice cubes.  Instructions First, pressure cook the raw mangoes for 2–3 whistles or steam them until soft. Once cooled, extract the pulp, discarding the seed and skin. Mix cumin powder and black salt into the pulp, creating a spiced mango base that can be refrigerated for 3–4 days.  For a classic Aam Panna, dilute this pulp with water and sweeten it with jaggery or sugar. To make a mojito, muddle mint leaves and a lemon slice in a highball glass for five seconds. Add ice cubes, 2 tablespoons spiced mango pulp, and top with chilled Sprite. Garnish with mint and lemon, then enjoy! Read more: Ramadan Fasting with Diabetes: Best foods for Sehri and Iftar Lychee Mojito Ingredients 100 ml lychee juice, 300 ml soda chilled, 6 lychees peeled, 15 mint leaves, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, ½ lemon, and 1½ tablespoon powdered sugar.  Instructions First, muddle the sugar, lemon juice, lemon slices, and six lychees together until the flavors are well combined and the fruit is slightly crushed. Add the juice, stir thoroughly, and divide the mixture evenly into two glasses. Finally, top each glass with chilled soda, giving the drink a refreshing fizz. Serve immediately and enjoy! Tamarind-Spiced Mojito Ingredients 2 cups water, 3 ½ tablespoons tamarind chutney, ½ teaspoon fennel seeds, ½ teaspoon black salt, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1-inch ginger (grated), Kashmiri red chilli powder, lime wedges, mint leaves, and Canada dry zero (optional). Read more: Healthy Iftar Meal Recipes for Breaking Ramadan Fasting Instructions First, place a pan over medium heat and add water, followed by tamarind chutney, fennel seeds, black salt, sugar, and grated ginger. Stir everything well using a wire whisk and let the mixture heat up. Once it reaches a gentle boil, turn off the heat, cover the pan, and let it sit for 30 to 45 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.  Then, strain the liquid and chill for a few hours or up to three days in advance. To serve, mix black salt and Kashmiri red chilli powder on a plate. Rub a lime wedge around a glass rim, dip it into the spice mix, then muddle mint leaves and lime inside. Finally, add ice, and tamarind water, then top with Canada Dry Zero before serving.  Watermelon-Mint Mojito Mocktail Ingredients 2 cups watermelon (cubed), 2 limes (juiced), 1-2 tablespoons sweetener (maple syrup, honey, or sugar optional), 15-20 leaves of fresh mint, sparkling water, ice cubes, fresh mint, and slices of lime.  Instructions First, to make the watermelon juice, blend fresh watermelon, lime juice, mint leaves, and sweetener (if using) until smooth. Transfer the juice to a jar and refrigerate for a few hours, or use it immediately. You should have about 1¼ cups of juice, which can be made ahead and stored until your guests arrive.  Read more: Reasons Why Ramadan Fasting is More Beneficial Than Dieting When ready to serve, muddle a few mint leaves with a slice of lime at the bottom of each glass. Then, pour about ½ cup of the watermelon juice into each glass, add ice cubes, and top with ½ to ¾ cup of sparkling water. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. You may garnish with extra watermelon pieces and lime slices. Serve immediately and enjoy! Cheers.

Prices of essential commodities, particularly those used for iftar, have increased in Khulna’s markets with the onset of Ramadan, with some items seeing a two-to threefold hike. Locals said prices of eggplant, cucumber, and lemon—highly sought after for iftar— have been doubled despite adequate supply in the markets. Visiting KCC Sandhya Bazaar on Saturday the UNB correspondent found eggplant is currently selling for Tk 60-80 per kg, up from Tk 25-30 just a week ago. Cucumbers which were Tk 30 per kg last week are now being sold at Tk 60-80. Four lemons which were selling at Tk 20-30 few days ago are now selling for more than double that price. A similar trend was observed in other city markets, including Mistripara Bazaar, Rupsha Bazaar, and Moylapota Sandhya Bazar. Date prices drop by Tk100 to Tk400 per kg amid huge import Broiler chicken is selling for Tk 200-210 per kg while Sonali chicken is priced at Tk 320-340 per kg and layer chicken is being sold for up to Tk 320 per kg. When asked about the price hike, a poultry seller at KCC Sandhya Bazaar said, "Farm supply has decreased slightly, which is why prices are higher. However, chicken prices will remain within people’s purchasing capacity during Ramadan." A vegetable vendor at "Mayer Doa Vegetable Shop" in KCC Sandhya Bazar said that wholesale prices have doubled in just two days, despite stable supply. "Wholesalers have increased prices due to high demand, leaving us vendors to face complaints from consumers," he said. Taslima, a shopper at the market, expressed frustration over the rising costs. "I had hoped prices would remain stable this Ramadan, but as demand increases, so do the prices," she said. She said beef, which was selling for Tk 700 per kg, has now been hiked by another Tk 50 instead of decreasing. Khulna consumers face price hikes of some essential commodities A team led by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Nurul Hai Mohammad Anas, along with Executive Magistrate Muntasir Mamun, is inspecting markets to curb price manipulation.

Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus on Saturday greeted the people of the country and all Muslims across the world on the eve of the holy month of Ramadan. “On the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, I extend my heartfelt greetings to the people of the country and the Muslim Ummah," he said in a message as the holy month of Ramadan set to begin on Sunday. Stating that the soul is purified through self-restraint during this holy month of fasting and restraint, the Chief Adviser said, "It is a wonderful opportunity to earn the blessings, closeness, and forgiveness of Almighty Allah." Holy month of Ramadan begins Sunday Dr Yunus mentioned that fasting plays a unique role in fostering mutual sympathy, harmony and brotherhood between the rich and the poor. Inspired by the teachings of Ramadan, he urged all to avoid indulgence, jealousy, hatred, disorder and conflict and to protect the sanctity of Ramadan by practicing self-control, patience, and restraint in all aspects of life. In addition to fasting, Dr. Yunus encouraged all to recite the Quran and engage in prayers and worship throughout the month. "May Almighty Allah grant us the strength to implement the teachings of Ramadan in our national life," he added.  

Residents of as many as 40 villages in Chandpur district began the holy fasting month of Ramadan Saturday, in accordance with Saudi Arabia. Maulana Zakaria Chowdhury, in charge of Hajiganj Sadra Darbar Sharif, said that the villagers have been celebrating all religious festivals like Eid and Ramadan on the lines of Saudi Arabia, home to the world's most holy Muslim sites, since 1928. DMP urges authorities to avoid road repairs during Ramadan The residents of the villages across the upazilas of Faridganj, Matlab North, Kachua and Shahrasti offered their Tarabi prayers last night and began their dawn-to-sunset fast after having ‘Sehri’ before sunrise. Following an official sighting of the new crescent moon Friday, Saudi Arabia announced that the kingdom would start the holy month of Ramadan Saturday.    

The prices of rice, fresh fruits, lemon, chicken, meat and fish have surged in Dhaka ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, while those of chickpeas, pulses, dates, puffed rice (muri), onion, garlic and various vegetables have declined. On Thursday, kitchen markets across the capital witnessed a heavy influx of shoppers, reflecting the usual pre-Ramadan demand surge. Many consumers expressed frustration over the rising prices of essential commodities, particularly fish and meat. Ramadan 2025: Five tips for mental and emotional well-being while fasting A visit to key kitchen markets in Dhaka, including Karwan Bazar, Mohakhali, Hatirpool, Shantinagar, Malibagh, Rampura and Banasree, revealed price variations depending on location. Consumers noted that while some Ramadan essentials have remained stable, the prices of daily consumption items have increased despite government measures such as tax and VAT reductions. The price of fine-quality miniket rice has risen by Tk3 to 4 per kg this week, while coarse rice has increased by Tk2 to 3 per kg. Premium-quality miniket rice is being sold at Tk86 to 90 per kg at the retail level, while coarse rice is available for Tk58 to 65 per kg. Chickpea prices have declined by Tk10 to 15 per kg, now selling at Tk100 to 110 per kg, depending on quality. Different types of pulses, including lentils, peas and Mung beans, are priced between Tk95 and 150 per kg. The price of edible oil remains stable, though traders report a short supply of bottled soybean oil. Loose palm oil is selling at Tk160 per kg, while bottled soybean oil is priced at Tk170 per litre. The prices of popular Ramadan beverages and dairy items have increased. Tang (powdered drink) and Ruh Afza (flavoured syrup) have risen by Tk60 to 100 per kg/litre compared to last year. Tang is now priced at Tk780 per kg, Ruh Afza at Tk575 per litre, and powdered milk at Tk860 per kg and lemons (four pieces) priced at Tk60 to Tk120. Fresh fruit prices have also seen an uptrend, rising by Tk30 to 80 per kg. Oranges are selling at Tk330 to 380 per kg, Malta at Tk280 to 300 per kg, green apples at Tk420 per kg, and China Fuji apples at Tk330 to 380 per kg. Pomegranates (dalim) range from Tk450 to 560 per kg, white pears (naspati) from Tk330 to 360 per kg, green pears at Tk430 to 500 per kg, and red and black grapes at Tk550 to 600 per kg. Bangladesh Bank sets new time for funds transfer and cheque clearing during Ramadan Dates are being sold at Karwanbazar for Tk400 to 1600 per kg, depending on quality and brand. However, prices have dropped by Tk60 to 200 per kg ahead of Ramadan. Traders claim that the government is levying Tk136 in taxes on every Tk100 worth of imported fruit, preventing them from reducing prices. As a result, domestic fruit prices have also increased. Thai papaya is selling at Tk150 per kg, guava at Tk90 to 120 per kg, bananas at Tk80 to 120 per dozen, and green coconuts (daab) at Tk100 to 160 per piece. Bangladeshi traders import 38 types of fruit from 22 countries worldwide. Of these, 95% are apples, malta, oranges, grapes, and pineapples. The remaining 5% include pears, Kinnow, Kadbel, avocados, Rambutan and kiwis. According to the National Board of Revenue (NBR), customs duties were increased in two phases for FY2024-25. The first phase raised duties to 118.80%, while the second round increased them further to 136.20%. This means importers now pay customs duties on every Tk 100 worth of fruit. Chicken prices have risen slightly ahead of Ramadan. Sonali and broiler chicken are now selling at Tk300 and Tk220 per kg, up from Tk290 and Tk190 per kg, respectively. Mutton prices have increased by Tk100 per kg, now selling at Tk1200 per kg in Karwanbazar. Meanwhile, beef and other meats remain stable, selling at Tk730 to 780 per kg, depending on quality. DSE announces new trading hours for Ramadan The demand for river fish has increased, with prices ranging from Tk400 to 1200 per kg, depending on size. Glulam Rahman, president of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), attributed the price hikes to inadequate market monitoring. “The price of some items has increased despite official data showing high import volumes of essential goods. Authorities must ensure that price hikes are justified. If irregularities are found, dishonest traders should be held accountable to relieve consumers,” said the CAB president.