Kushtia: For many low-income families in Kumarkhali upazila of Kushtia, buying beef at market prices remains a distant dream. But a grassroots initiative-locally known as 'Meat Cooperatives'-is steadily changing that reality, helping hundreds enjoy meat during Eid.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the initiative involves groups of 20 to 30 members who contribute small amounts weekly-typically Tk 50 or Tk 100-throughout the year. The accumulated funds are then used to purchase cattle ahead of Eid or to buy meat directly from butchers, which is later distributed among members.
Md Roich Uddin, a 55-year-old day labourer from Jotmora village in Jaduboyra union, shared his experience, saying, "We are poor people. We earn daily and spend daily. With current market prices, buying meat is nearly impossible." He expressed his joy, noting, "I saved Tk 50 every week in the cooperative. With the savings of a whole year, I got around four kilograms of meat. This Eid, I will enjoy it with my family."
The price per kilogram of meat through the cooperative stands at around Tk 650, significantly lower than the market rate. Amirul Islam, an easy-bike driver from the same village, explained the benefits, stating, "Beef now costs Tk 750 to Tk 800 per kilogram in the market. After meeting household expenses, many cannot afford it. So, we formed a cooperative of 30 members. Some contributed Tk 50 weekly, others Tk 100. In the end, some received four kilograms, others up to eight."
Local residents have noted that rising meat prices in recent years have made such cooperatives an effective alternative for meeting protein needs, especially during Eid. During a visit to several areas, including Jaduboyra, Panti, Bagulat, Chapra, Nandalalpur, and parts of the municipality, a festive yet busy scene was observed, with people cutting meat, weighing portions, and eagerly waiting to receive their parts.
CNG driver Gafur Sheikh, 45, from Ward No. 9 of Kumarkhali municipality, mentioned, "I earn around Tk 600 a day. It's not possible to buy meat at Tk 750 per kg. So I saved Tk 500 per month in the cooperative. This year, I received nearly nine kilograms of meat, which we can store and consume over months."
In Tebaria village alone, there are at least three such cooperatives. One of them, led by Shahidul Islam, 68, has been operating for six years and now has around 150 members. "Each member contributed Tk 400 per month. This year, we collected about Tk 7.2 lakh and bought six bulls," he said, adding that the total meat yield could reach around 30 maunds. "Members get meat at Tk 70 to Tk 100 less per kilogram than the market price," he added.
Upazila Livestock Officer Md Alamgir Hossain reported, "In nearly 200 villages in the upazila, more than 600 cattle have been sacrificed under these cooperatives, with an estimated market value exceeding Tk 6 to 7 crore." The average cost per kilogram of meat in these schemes ranges between Tk 665 and Tk 670.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Farzana Akhter highlighted the broader impact, stating, "It promotes a culture of savings and reduces pressure on the market. If such collective efforts grow, it can help stabilize meat prices and ensure affordability. More such cooperatives should be encouraged."