Demand for native (local) chicken is steadily increasing in the tourist city of Cox’s Bazar, driven by its superior taste and nutritional value.
Alongside local consumers, tourists are increasingly preferring native chicken, driving higher demand from hotels and restaurants across the district—an increase now reflected in rising market prices.
Major city markets show that native chicken prices range from Tk 650 to Tk 850 per kilogram. Well-sized, high-quality birds are sometimes priced at Tk 900 per kilogram.
Abdul Karim, a long-time native chicken trader in Cox’s Bazar, said demand has surged significantly in recent years.
“Demand for native chicken is much higher than before. Most of our stock now goes directly to hotels and restaurants, as they are willing to pay better prices. Sourcing chickens from villages has become more difficult, which is why prices have gone up,” he explained.
Another trader, Md Rafikul Islam, pointed out supply-side challenges.
“Raising native chicken takes time and requires more feed. Supply is limited, but demand keeps rising. When tourist numbers increase, hotels place bulk orders, and that pushes prices up in the open market,” he said.
Traders further noted that hotels and restaurants in areas such as Kolatoli, Laboni Point, Sugandha, and Inani maintain a daily demand for native chicken dishes, particularly bhuna and curry. As a result, retail consumers often face higher prices in local markets.
Meanwhile, buyers have expressed concern about rising costs, saying it has become difficult to afford native chicken regularly. Farmers, however, see the current prices as encouraging and say many are planning to expand production. If supply increases in the future, prices may stabilize, stakeholders believe.
Overall, during the peak tourist season in Cox’s Bazar, both demand and prices for native chicken are on the rise—benefiting traders and farmers, while forcing ordinary consumers to pay a premium.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
