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The government's open market sale (OMS) of commodities like meat, milk and egg at rational rates has attracted hundreds of consumers across the country.
The OMS started on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan on March 02 while sales have totalled around Tk 60 million in the first six days.
Meanwhile, female buyers are a majority in the capital under this initiative, according to fisheries and livestock ministry.
The information was revealed during the inauguration of the OMS of essential kitchen items at the National Press Club.
Additional secretary Nilufa Akhter, Department of Livestock director general Dr Md Abu Sufian and National Press Club president Hasan Hafiz were present.
According to official data, as of March 07, an estimated 52,453 consumers in the capital have purchased meat, egg and milk from the programme. Of them, 27,308 are women and 25,145 men, indicating greater participation of female buyers.
About one-third of the buyers are women outside Dhaka, thereby demonstrating their strong engagement across the country, according to the ministry.
Ms Nilufa said the initiative aimed at ensuring an increased supply of protein-based food at affordable prices.
The programme has helped keep market prices static and also received overwhelming interest from women countywide.
Dr Sufian said the sale was being conducted in 25 locations in Dhaka and nearly 1,000 locations outside the capital per day.
By Friday, approximately Tk 60 million worth of milk, egg, broiler meat, beef and mutton has been sold.
However, the ministry is selling dressed broiler at Tk 250 a kg against market price of Tk 400, pasteurised milk at Tk 80 a litre against Tk 90-100 in the market and egg at Tk 114 a dozen against Tk 120-130.
On the other hand, beef has been sold at Tk 650 a kg against the mainstream market price of Tk 780-820 a kg.
The OMS, inaugurated on February 28 by fisheries and livestock adviser Farida Akhtar, is being implemented with the support of the Livestock and Dairy Development Project, the Bangladesh Poultry Industries Central Council, the Bangladesh Dairy and Fattening Farmers Association.
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