Amdadul Haque
As the coronavirus scare spreads rapidly in the country including capital Dhaka, city dwellers are now opting for vegetarian food and avoiding meat. The meat industry is reeling from sales falls over claims that meats are carriers of the coronavirus and could pass it to the human body.
Bangladesh Post correspondent found this view true on Monday while moving around some meat markets in the capital. A meat shop at Mogbazar 'Nannu Mangsher Dukan' has recorded a 75% fall in meat demand. A slowdown has also been recorded in the sale of several meat shops in the capital as they struggle to keep their business running amid the growing coronavirus scare.
Most people seem to be avoiding buying beef, mutton and broiler chicken as they have learned that the virus can be spread through these meats. According to Karwan Bazar poultry market information, the wholesalers get around 2.5 lakh chickens every day for supply to retailers across the city, which has now worn a deserted look.
Meanwhile, the sellers are very worried as most of them think that the meat business is going to incur a huge loss if the situation continues for a few more days. Sabbir Ahmed, who owns a chicken shop at Karwan Bazar and has been in the business for at least 15 years, told Bangladesh Post that people are talking about the coronavirus everywhere. They are scared to buy broiler chicken or chicken meat products.
Nasrin Begum was buying some fish at Karwan Bazar and said, "My family always likes to eat meat. But now we are avoiding meat to keep ourselves safe from coronavirus.” What will happen if the situation gets worse, is the question hovering over the meat markets. Some warn that meat sellers should prepare themselves for the inevitable.
"I am extremely doubtful that we can get through the next few days without any sale," said Tipu Miah, a broiler chicken seller at Karwan Bazar. Sources at Bengal Meat, one of the biggest meat processor companies in the country said it is encouraging its workers to stay at home, and contact doctors if they fall ill. It is also reassessing policies to respond to the pandemic.
When contacted, the authority of Bengal Meat did not comment. Babul Ahmed, a butcher storekeeper, said he is passing idle time in his shop and the sale has reduced. An outbreak like coronavirus could seriously reduce or even halt the meat market business, he said. "A meat shop, however, has already demanded protective gear and regular cleaning to prevent coronavirus," Rakib Hussen, a doctor, said while visiting Karwan Bazar for shopping.
