Spice markets across Bangladesh have become busy ahead of Eid al-Adha as demand rises for cooking and preserving sacrificial meat.
Traders in Dhaka said sales of cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper and dried chili have increased significantly in recent days.
Markets including Karwan Bazar, Chawkbazar and Rampura saw large crowds of buyers visiting wholesale and retail spice shops ahead of the festival.
According to traders, demand for spices usually increases during the Eid-ul-Azha season because of large-scale meat cooking and distribution among relatives and neighbours.
Retail prices currently vary depending on quality, with cumin selling between Tk 600 and Tk 700 per kilogram and cardamom ranging from Tk 3,800 to Tk 5,200.
Black pepper prices have increased compared to last year, while some other spices, including cumin and cinnamon, are selling at slightly lower prices.
Traders blamed recent price increases on higher import costs, transportation expenses and fluctuations in the US dollar exchange rate.
Consumers, however, expressed concern over high retail prices and the sale of adulterated spice products in some markets.
Officials said authorities have strengthened market monitoring and anti-adulteration drives ahead of Eid to maintain product quality and prevent irregularities.
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