The price of eggs increased by 51.06 per cent to Tk 36 for four pieces from Tk 24 a year ago, according to data from Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB).

According to The Daily Star, under current import policies, the commerce ministry permitted imports of eggs on a case-by-case basis, while there was a strict embargo on salt import.

“Between now and 30 June, businessmen can import any quantity of eggs without permission from the commerce ministry,” the official said. “They have to certify, though, that the eggs originated from avian influenza-free countries.”

Daily demand for eggs across the country is 2 billion while the production of all kinds of eggs in the country is 1 billion a day, according to data from Bangladesh Poultry Industries Association.

“Our industries will be sufferers, but we have little to do as we cannot produce the required number of eggs,” said MM Khan, secretary general of the association.

However, if the prices of these two items come down by June 30 the government might not continue with the withdrawal, the official of the commerce ministry said.