Dhaka, Feb. 19 -- Prices of Ramadan essentials have increased on the first day of the Islamic holy month, with the familiar trend of a surge in food prices returning to markets this year.

A visit to the Mohakhali and Sattola kitchen markets in the capital on Thursday showed that alongside vegetables, the prices of chicken and beef have also risen.

Among fresh produce, limes have surged the most.

Last week, limes were selling at Tk 20 to Tk 40 per four pieces.

On Thursday, prices doubled or tripled, selling at Tk 80 to Tk 120 per four-piece bunch.

Elachi lime varieties were priced higher than local Kagazi limes.

At Mohakhali kitchen market, limes were selling at similarly high rates.

Shopper Md Iftekhar Hossain expressed frustration...