Countrywide cattle trade picks up ahead of Eid

Sacrificial animal markets across the country, including those in the capital, have started bustling with activity ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, as buyers and sellers gather for one of the largest seasonal trades of the year.

The government and the two Dhaka city corporations have completed preparations for both temporary and permanent cattle markets, while law enforcement agencies have strengthened security measures to maintain order and prevent the circulation of counterfeit currency.

More than 3,600 temporary and permanent animal markets have been set up nationwide this year. Animals are arriving from remote districts, and trading is gradually increasing.

Small and medium-sized cattle are witnessing the highest demand, although sellers are still reluctant to reduce prices as several days remain before Eid.

The Department of Livestock Services has confirmed that no diseased animals will be allowed into markets.

Alongside physical markets, online trading of cattle and goats has also become increasingly popular this year.

In Dhaka, a total of 27 sacrificial animal markets have been designated.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) will supervise 11 markets, while Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) will manage 16 markets, including the permanent Gabtoli cattle market.

Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid said there would be no shortage of sacrificial animals this year as domestic production is sufficient to meet the nationwide demand.”

Domestic farmers have now become so productive that there is no need for imports or outside sources.

The entire sacrificial demand can be met through domestic production,” he said.

The minister said Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and police have been instructed to remain vigilant to prevent illegal cattle from entering through border areas.

He also confirmed that no cattle markets would be allowed to operate haphazardly on roadsides.

Meanwhile, online cattle trading has become increasingly popular among buyers and farm owners.

Many farms are using Facebook pages, websites and e-commerce platforms to sell sacrificial animals directly to customers.

The Minister confirmed that online buyers would not have to pay any additional market fees or tolls.

Buyers can now review photos, videos, weight details, feeding information and farm locations online before making purchases, reducing the need to visit crowded markets.

Many buyers have already started visiting farms in areas such as Khilgaon and surrounding parts of the capital to inspect cattle and negotiate prices directly with farm owners.

Farmers say direct farm sales offer buyers better information about the animal’s health, diet and care while avoiding overcrowded markets.

According to the Department of Livestock Services, the number of domestically reared sacrificial animals this year stands at 12,333,840 against an estimated demand of 10,106,334, leaving a surplus of around 2.23 million animals.

DSCC Chief Property Officer Mohammad Mobashwer Hasan said the locations of 11 temporary markets under DSCC had already been finalised.

Of these, nine markets received bids above the government reserve price, while decisions regarding two remaining markets are awaiting approval from the Divisional Commissioner.

The temporary DSCC markets include areas at Postogola Cremation Ghat, Shahjahanpur Railway Colony, Rahmatganj Club, Amulia Model Town, Shyampur Kadamtali truck stand, Aftabnagar, Kajla-Matuail Road, Dayaganj-Jurain Rail Crossing, Banasree Housing and Golapbagh Staff Quarters.

DNCC’s temporary markets will operate in areas including Mirpur Section-6, Kalshi Sandy Field, Dhaka Polytechnic Institute area, Merul Badda, East Hajipur, Bochila, Uttara Diabari, Khilkhet, Badda and Boro Beraid.

DNCC Public Relations Officer Jobayer Hossain said leases for 10 DNCC markets had already been finalised, while the remaining markets would be leased once satisfactory bids were received.

Officials from both city corporations said trading would formally continue for five days, including Eid day.

Special security arrangements have also been taken at all major cattle markets.

Plain-clothes police officers will be deployed, while veterinary medical teams will examine the health condition of animals.

Authorities have made health certificates mandatory for animals entering markets.

Separate task forces are also being formed to manage traffic congestion, waste disposal, water supply and sanitation.

City corporations said emphasis has been placed on rapid waste removal and modern waste management systems to prevent environmental pollution.