580 taka per kg of beef

The price of beef in the country's market is high. Beef is sold at Tk 700 to Tk 720 per kg in different markets of Bogra city. It is 680 taka in the village market. However, a butcher of the district caused a stir by selling beef at Tk 580 per kg.

The name of the butcher in question is Nazrul Islam alias Kalu Butcher. His meat shop is at Shimultali Junction of Nashipur Union in Gabtali Upazila of Bogra. He has been selling meat at a lower price than the market for the past one year. As the matter spread to the public and through social media, his shop is now crowded from dawn to noon.

The location of Shimultali intersection is 14 km away from Satmatha of Bogra city. This junction of Bagbari Road has now become known as the 'Gosht Ghar' of Kalu Butchers. Buyers are running from the city on autorickshaw fares of Tk 30 to buy meat from his shop.  

On Tuesday (March 28) morning at Shimultali intersection, Nazrul Islam alias Kalu butcher shop was crowded. People from other areas came more than locals to buy meat.

Manjurul Islam from Baluahat of Sonatala upazila said that meat is 680 taka per kg in Baluahat. I saw on Facebook that meat is 580 taka per kg at this intersection. One kg of meat is 100 taka less. This is why I brought the motorcycle. 100 rupees oil cost but 300 rupees saved.

Badsha Mia, a member of Motor Workers Union and a local resident, said that so many people from outside come to buy meat every day that the people of the area cannot buy meat from Kalu's shop. People from far and wide are guests of the area, so they have to be sent away with meat first. Those who want to buy meat from the locality keep Kalu first, come later and take the meat.

Nazrul Islam Kalu said that he has been involved in the profession of selling meat for about 26 years. Even a year ago, he used to sell meat in Bagbari market. But the toll was increased there last year. Controversy arose over toll hike. That's when he decided not to shop in the market. Then he set up a shop at Shimultali intersection next to the house.

He said that at that time meat was being sold at Tk 550 per kg. He then started selling at Tk 500 per kg. At that time, the price in the city was 600 taka per kg. When this word spread in the area, the number of customers in his shop increased.

Nazrul Islam Kalu's elder son Abu Hasan sometimes helps his father in managing the shop, he is now studying for graduation (honours). And the younger son is in fifth grade. Married the only daughter.  

Kalu said that earlier, not even a cow was sold in the market in a day. Now at least 25 cows are being sold a week. 500 taka per cow minus the wages of four employees, but there is a profit of taka 50,000 per month.  

He said that the butchers of those areas where the market toll is low can sell meat at a low price. It will benefit people even if the profit is less.