Noman Mosharef :
Nearly 12.4 million sacrificial animals, including 5.6 million fattened bulls and buffaloes, are prepared for Eid-ul-Azha this year, according to data from the Department of Livestock Services (DLS).
The DLS estimates that just over 10 million animals will be slaughtered during the festival, leaving a surplus of approximately 2.07 million.
Approximately 250,000 farms across the country have been involved in raising these animals, contributing to the nation’s self-sufficiency in cattle. However, the cattle market is yet to gain momentum, putting many farmers and traders at risk of financial losses.
This year, around 5,000 cattle markets have been established nationwide to meet demand. In Dhaka alone, over 20 markets have been designated to serve buyers and sellers, including well-known hubs such as Gabtoli-the city’s largest market-Meradia, Tejgaon, Hazaribagh, Kamalapur, Sarulia, Jatrabari, Dania College, Dholaikhal Truck Terminal, and Amulia Model Town.
Outside the capital, significant markets include Sat Mile in Jessore, Rajshahi City Haat, and Gobindashi in Tangail. Baishmouja in Brahmanbaria holds the distinction of being the largest cattle market in the country.
Motaher Bepari, a cattle trader and farm owner from Saturia Upazila in Manikganj, traditionally sells animals at Gabtoli market. This year, however, he has been unable to sell a single animal despite bringing 15 cattle, expressing deep disappointment. “This is a new experience for us; we have never seen such low customer turnout at Gabtoli before.
A few people are wandering around the market, but no one is buying,” he told The New Nation on Tuesday. Motaher warned that if the cattle remain unsold, the financial losses will be significant given the large investments made in raising them.
Similarly, Ruhul Amin, a trader who brought 13 small and medium-sized cattle from Shahzadpur Upazila in Sirajganj to Meradia market, has only managed to sell two animals so far. He remains hopeful that more buyers will arrive before Eid, allowing him to sell the remaining cattle.
The situation outside Dhaka appears even more challenging. At Gobindashi cattle market in Tangail, trader Halim Mollah lamented the lack of buyer interest.
“I cannot understand what has happened to the people. There is little enthusiasm for purchasing sacrificial animals this year,” he said. Halim expressed concern over potential losses after investing significant time and resources throughout the year to raise the cattle.
The sluggish market activity ahead of Eid-ul-Azha is raising concerns for many cattle farmers and traders across the country, who fear financial setbacks amid weak demand.
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