Dhaka, Aug 31 - Bangladesh's poultry operators are protesting egg imports from India that enter the market during the festive season at less than half the price.

As two trucks carrying the first consignment arrived at Benapole Land Port on the border with India, there were widespread protests from the local producers who fear they would be swept out of the market, The Daily Star said Monday.

The government has cleared import of 30 million eggs from India to meet the high demand during the holy Ramadan and Eid festival that will follow.

It also wants to beat the price in the local market that went as high as Taka 32 ($0.46) for 'haali' - four pieces.

The local producers offered wholesale rate of Taka 21.60 after the government moved for imports.

Angered by the imports, they now want to call off their lowered price.

The Indian egg is being quoted at Taka 2.29 apiece - much less than a half of the local price.

Customs officials said Dhaka-based GM Enterprise imported the eggs, which are waiting to be released from the port since Thursday last.