Slow Sales Plague Dhaka’s Cattle Markets Ahead of Eid-ul-Adha

As Eid-ul-Adha approaches tomorrow, Dhaka’s cattle markets tell a story of quiet concern. Despite healthy supplies of sacrificial animals at major points like Gabtoli and Dholaikhal, the expected pre-Eid rush of buyers is conspicuously missing.

Traders who brought cattle from across the country are growing anxious. Many invested heavily in rearing and transporting the animals, only to face hesitant buyers unwilling or unable to meet the asking prices. Rising costs of fodder, transportation, and labor have pushed prices higher, putting them out of reach for a large section of middle-class families.

The extreme summer heat and occasional waterlogging from recent rains have made the situation even tougher. The discomfort of visiting crowded markets under such conditions has clearly discouraged many from coming out early.

This year’s subdued demand offers a glimpse into the broader economic pressures facing urban households. What was once a vibrant, bustling market ahead of Eid now feels unusually slow, reflecting how inflation and reduced purchasing power are quietly reshaping long-standing traditions.

With Eid just hours away, traders are left hoping for a last-minute surge, while many families continue to wait for prices to drop. How this plays out in the final stretch may say more about the current economic reality than any official report could.