Govt to support rawhide preservation until fair price ensured: Commerce Adviser
NN Online:
Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin on Tuesday said the government will provide support to preserve rawhides of sacrificial animals during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha to ensure that sellers—especially madrasahs and orphanages—receive a fair price.
“Orphans have rightful claims over the rawhides of sacrificial animals. To ensure they are not deprived, the government will distribute 30,000 metric tons of salt to madrasahs and orphanages for preservation purposes,” he said at a press briefing following a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Commerce.
He added that training will be provided on rawhide management and preservation, and awareness campaigns—including a video tutorial—will be launched to reduce wastage.
The adviser pointed out that, in previous years, many sellers had to dispose of rawhides at low prices out of fear they would rot. “That won’t be the case this year,” he assured. “If fair prices are not ensured in the domestic market, the government may consider allowing direct export of rawhides.”
The ministry is also expected to finalize rawhide price rates in a follow-up meeting scheduled for tomorrow.
On other Qurbani-related matters, the meeting decided that the sale of sacrificial animals will be permitted only at designated cattle markets to maintain order. The demand-supply situation of Qurbani animals was also reviewed.
Adviser to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Farida Akhter emphasized that her ministry is working to ensure fair market conditions, humane treatment of animals, and a crackdown on harmful fattening practices.
Lieutenant General (Retd) Abdul Hafiz, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, said Bangladesh Police and Highway Police will remain vigilant against extortion during animal transport. Army personnel may also be deployed to assist.
To address any untoward incidents, a central monitoring cell and dedicated hotline—in addition to the national emergency number 999—will be operational during Eid.
Earlier, a 17-member high-level committee, led by Commerce Adviser Bashir Uddin, was formed to oversee rawhide pricing, animal transport, waste management, and proper functioning of Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) in the leather industry.