A visit to Karwan Bazar found broiler chicken selling at Tk 200–220 per kilogram, while Sonali chicken was priced at Tk 340–380 per kilogram. Owing to differences in taste, texture and price, demand for the two varieties remains distinct among consumers.
Traders said broiler chicken grows faster, has softer meat and is comparatively cheaper, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers. Sonali chicken, by contrast, takes longer to raise, has firmer meat and a taste closer to native chicken, allowing it to command a premium price.
However, the higher price of Sonali chicken appears to be creating room for irregularities in open markets. Visits to several markets and conversations with buyers and traders suggest that not all birds being sold as Sonali are genuine Sonali chickens. In many cases, colour birds or other hybrid breeds are allegedly being sold under the Sonali label.
A trader at Karwan Bazar, requesting anonymity, said demand for Sonali chicken often exceeds supply. “When supply is short, some sellers market other breeds as Sonali,” he said.
As the birds often look similar, most buyers find it difficult to distinguish between broiler, Sonali and other hybrid breeds at the time of purchase. Several consumers said they only noticed the difference after cooking, particularly in taste and texture.
One buyer said, “I purchased it thinking it was Sonali, but after cooking it, it felt more like broiler chicken.”
Market insiders blamed weak monitoring and supply shortages for allowing such practices to continue. As a result, consumers risk paying premium prices for products that may not match the label, while trust in traditional wet markets is also being affected.
Meanwhile, super shops are selling branded “Classic Sonali” chicken at relatively higher prices, claiming stricter controls over sourcing, breed verification and quality standards. Many customers said they were willing to pay extra for greater assurance over quality and authenticity.
The confusion over Sonali chicken in open markets is emerging as a growing concern for consumers. Industry observers said stronger market surveillance and effective consumer protection measures would be needed to restore confidence and ensure transparency.
