Eid Trade in Peril: Indian cattle invade Sylhet
With Eid-ul-Azha approaching, cattle smuggling has surged in Sylhet, as cattle and buffaloes are being illegally transported from India across the border.
The influx of these animals has flooded the local market, creating severe difficulties for domestic farmers who have raised livestock all year in anticipation of Eid profits.
This year, many face the fear that their hard-earned cattle may not fetch a fair price.
Investigations reveal that local influential smuggling syndicates, reportedly aided by some dishonest officials, are facilitating
the cross-border trade.
Smuggled cattle are not only entering Sylhet but are also being transported to other districts via the city.
Questions have been raised over the role of the police in preventing this illegal trade.
Checkposts and CCTV cameras have been installed at city entrances, yet trucks and pickups carrying smuggled livestock reportedly pass through without hindrance.
Despite police presence at these checkpoints, little action has been taken to stop the movement of illegally imported animals.
Border routes in the upazilas of Kanaighat, Gowainghat, and Jaintapur have reportedly become safe havens for smugglers.
Hundreds of trucks transporting cattle and buffaloes are said to enter the city under cover of night, often without interference.
Local residents claim that politically influential groups may be protecting these operations, creating an environment where ordinary citizens fear speaking out.
Despite repeated assurances from authorities, smuggling continues unabated. Farmers in Sylhet are facing considerable anxiety as Eid draws near.
Many marginal farmers, who have invested significant sums in raising livestock on credit, now fear substantial financial losses.
Expressing his frustration, farmer Raisul Mia said, “I work hard all year raising cows, hoping to make a profit.
But the market is flooded with Indian cattle, and now I am uncertain whether I will recover my investment.”
Similarly, Amin Mia added, “Like every year, I have raised domestic cattle, but with the market saturated with imported animals, it will be difficult to make a profit.”
The situation is also affecting lessees of more than fifty livestock markets across Sylhet, including five within Sylhet City Corporation.
With fewer buyers attending legal markets, revenue collection has been hampered and local traders face losses.
Local residents emphasise that strict and visible surveillance – from the border to the markets – is urgently required to protect the interests of domestic farmers and livestock market operators.
Addressing the issue, Additional Superintendent of Sylhet District Police Md. Raselur Rahman stated, “We are following a zero-tolerance policy to curb smuggling.
Regular operations are underway to prevent the illegal entry of livestock, and strict action will be taken against any officer found negligent in duty.”
As Eid approaches, the stakes are high for Sylhet’s farmers. Without effective action, years of hard work risk being undermined by illegal cross-border trade.
