The government has taken a proactive step to ensure that dates, a quintessential item for iftar, remain accessible to all by fixing their prices. This move comes in response to the increasing demand for dates during the fasting period.

According to a notification issued by the Commerce Ministry, the government has set the price range for low-grade dates between Tk 150 and Tk 165 per kilogram (KG). Meanwhile, the widely-consumed Zahidi variety of dates, a favorite among many, will be priced between Tk 170 and Tk 180 per KG.

In a bid to encourage traders to offer dates at more affordable rates and enable consumers to purchase the revered fruit without straining their budgets, the National Board of Revenue had previously slashed the import duty on dates from 25 percent to 15 percent in early February.

The government’s decision to regulate the prices of dates during Ramadan, particularly the popular Zahidi variety, reflects its commitment to ensuring that the faithful can partake in the age-old tradition of breaking their fast with this nutritious and symbolic food item, without being burdened by exorbitant costs.