The India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI) has requested permission to import 75,000 tonnes of buffalo meat from India due to growing demand in Bangladesh. The IBCCI estimates a selling price of Tk 450-500 per kg, compared to the current Tk 750-800 per kg for local fresh meat. This price reduction is expected to benefit low-income and middle-income families.
The IBCCI also requested the government to remove import duties on meat, egg, and potatoes to further reduce prices for these essential items. The Department of Livestock Services (DLS) data shows that Bangladesh produced over 8.71 million tonnes of meat in FY 2022-23, exceeding the annual demand of nearly 7.6 million tonnes. However, a BGMEA concept paper indicates a fourfold increase in meat imports between FY 2013-14 and FY 2017-18. The IBCCI’s proposal is pending final approval from the Department of Livestock Services, and the commerce ministry is currently working on the topic with no final decision made yet.