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Eid vacation: Kuakata sees growing tourist influx
With the Eid vacation in full swing, Kuakata – the panoramic sea beach often regarded as Sagar Kanya (daughter of sea) – is steadily regaining its festive charm as holidaymakers have thronged the tourist destination, bringing renewed vibrancy to the coastal tourism hub.
Although tourist arrivals remained relatively modest at the beginning of the holiday period, the situation began to change from Friday morning as increasing numbers of visitors flocked to the beach town.
Traditionally, Kuakata witnesses a massive surge of tourists from the afternoon of Eid day. This year, however, the rush was slower to build.
From Friday morning, the beach started bustling with visitors eager to enjoy the scenic beauty and festive atmosphere.
At the beach's Zero Point, tourists were seen enjoying the gentle waves, strolling along the shoreline with family and friends and soaking in the panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal.
Children spent hours building sandcastles and playing on the beach.
2 months ago
Eid joy eludes northern char dwellers as crop losses, debt and erosion take heavy toll
While Eid-ul-Azha is traditionally marked by sacrifice, feasting and family celebrations, for thousands of people living in the riverine chars of northern Bangladesh this year’s festival arrived with little more than anxiety, hardship and uncertainty.
Across the scattered islands formed by the Teesta, Dharla, Brahmaputra and Dudhkumar rivers, the usual sounds of Eid celebration were largely absent. In many char villages, no sacrificial animals were slaughtered and many families spent the day without meat on their tables.
For residents of the chars spread across Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Nilphamari and Gaibandha districts, the festive spirit was overshadowed by mounting farm losses, debt burdens and the constant threat of river erosion.
The Rangpur region is home to around 700 chars, including nearly 450 in Kurigram alone. Each char accommodates between 150 and 500 families, most of whom depend entirely on agriculture for their livelihoods.
This year, however, poor returns from major crops such as potato, paddy and maize have left many farming households struggling to make ends meet.
For 68-year-old farmer Makbul Hossain of Gobardhan area in Mahishkhocha union of Aditmari upazila in Lalmonirhat, Eid brought little reason for celebration.
Despite spending most of his life cultivating land, he says he has rarely faced such financial distress.
After suffering losses of more than Tk 3 lakh from potato farming on 11 bighas of land, he is still burdened with loans amounting to around Tk 2.5 lakh. He had hoped that Boro paddy would help recover some of the losses, but low market prices dashed those expectations.
“It cost me nearly Tk 950 to produce a maund of paddy, but I am forced to sell it for Tk 800 to Tk 850,” Makbul said.
“There have been losses in paddy, potatoes and maize. Storms damaged vegetables as well. This year farming has brought nothing but losses. There is no peace of mind and no Eid joy.”
The situation is equally grim in Falimari, a river island settlement in Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila, where around 300 families live along the Dharla River.
For days, residents have been living under the shadow of river erosion. Even on Eid day, sections of the riverbank continued to collapse.
Last year, villagers sacrificed two cattle and three goats. This year, not a single animal was sacrificed.
Saheda Bewa, a resident of the char, said the river swallowed three bighas of her land and homestead just a week ago.
“The remaining land is also under threat. Even on Eid day the erosion continued. How can we think about celebrating Eid in such a situation?” she asked.
“Forget meat; we had to eat rice with lentils and vegetables. The 10 kilograms of rice provided by the government is our biggest support right now.”
On Char Tepamadhupur in Kaunia upazila of Rangpur, 65-year-old farmer Ali returned home from Eid prayers carrying a heavy heart.
He could not afford new clothes for any of the seven members of his family. Last year, he shared in a cow sacrifice. This year, buying meat from the market was beyond his means. “Potato cultivation ruined us. Paddy could not save us either,” he said.
“Production costs have risen sharply, but crop prices have fallen. Maize prices are low, tobacco prices are low – everything is against us.”
Ali cultivates around 25 bighas of land and is currently carrying debts of nearly Tk 3 lakh. Pressure from creditors continues to mount.
“Our family has no Eid this year,” he said quietly.
According to local community leaders, such stories are now common across much of the char belt.
Prof Shafiqul Islam Bebu, convener of the Kurigram District Char Development Committee, said most char communities were unable to perform animal sacrifices this year.
2 months ago
Bangladesh eyes greater energy security with Tk 3,600cr investment plan
Bangladesh is moving to strengthen its energy security and expand electricity access through a new set of government-funded projects targeting gas exploration, power generation and energy sector capacity building.
According to a list of proposed projects under the power and energy sector, the government has taken initiatives worth over Tk 3,600 crore to help meet the country’s growing demand for electricity and fuel amid rapid industrialisation, urbanisation and expanding economic activities.
Officials said the projects have been designed to boost domestic gas supply, reduce dependence on imported fuel, improve energy infrastructure and extend electricity coverage to remote areas.
Under the power generation sub-sector, a project titled “Electricity Supply through Installation of Solar Panels in Remote Areas of the Chattogram Hill Tracts (3rd Phase)” has been proposed for implementation by the Chattogram Hill Tracts Development Board under the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs.
The project, estimated at Tk 655.30 crore, is scheduled for implementation from July 2026 to June 2031.
Officials said the initiative aims to provide clean and sustainable electricity to remote and off-grid areas of the hill districts where extending conventional grid connections remains difficult and costly.
Energy experts said expanded solar-based electricity in remote regions would support rural economic activities, education, healthcare and living standards while contributing to Bangladesh’s renewable energy targets.
In the energy and mineral resources sub-sector, seven projects have been proposed under the Energy and Mineral Resources Division to strengthen domestic gas exploration, institutional capacity and geological mapping.
The largest share of proposed investment has been allocated to gas exploration and development projects under Petrobangla, as the government intensifies efforts to increase local gas production to meet rising demand from industries, power plants and households.
One project involves drilling two appraisal-cum-development wells—Titas-32 and Titas-33—in the Titas gas field, at an estimated cost of Tk 632 crore. The project will run from January 2026 to December 2028.
Another proposal includes drilling one appraisal-cum-development well, Begumganj-5, and two exploration wells, Begumganj-6 and Sunetra-2, with an estimated cost of Tk 731.24 crore.
Petrobangla has also proposed drilling five wells in Bhola—Shahbazpur-9, Shahbazpur-10, Bhola North-5, Bhola North-6 and Bhola North-7—at an estimated cost of Tk 1,242.41 crore between April 2026 and March 2029.
In addition, another project proposes drilling three appraisal-cum-development wells—Titas-34, Titas-35 and Titas-36—at a cost of Tk 95 crore from January 2027 to December 2029.
Energy officials said the government is prioritising domestic gas exploration to reduce pressure on costly imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply for power generation and industrial production.
Bangladesh has been facing rising energy demand due to continued economic growth, expansion of manufacturing industries and higher urban consumption. The country has increasingly relied on LNG imports in recent years following depletion of some mature gas fields.
Officials said new gas discoveries and higher output from existing fields are crucial to maintaining energy security and stabilising electricity generation costs.
To support institutional development in the sector, the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation has proposed a Tk 165.79 crore project to enhance its capacity from January 2026 to December 2029.
Sector insiders said the initiative would improve research, training and technical expertise in the petroleum and energy sector.
Meanwhile, the Department of Explosives has proposed a Tk 83.01 crore project for construction of its central office building and institutional capacity enhancement.
The Geological Survey of Bangladesh has also proposed a technical project titled “Integrated Geological Mapping of Sylhet Division (Geological, Geo-engineering and Geochemical)” involving Tk 49.37 crore from July 2026 to June 2029.
Experts said integrated geological mapping would support future mineral and energy resource exploration and strengthen data-based planning in the sector.
Officials said the proposed projects reflect the government’s broader strategy to diversify energy sources, expand renewable energy use, increase domestic gas output and strengthen institutional capacity to ensure long-term energy security.
2 months ago
Rangamati ready to welcome tourists during Eid holiday
The scenic hill district of Rangamati is fully prepared to welcome a large influx of tourists during the ongoing Eid-ul-Azha holidays, with tour operators expecting a significant rise in visitors amid the government’s extended vacation.
The government had announced a seven-day Eid holiday this year, prompting many travellers to plan leisure trips to popular tourist destinations across the country. Tourism businesses in Rangamati hope the long holiday will revive the local tourism economy and boost business activities.
Surrounded by green hills, tranquil lakes and breathtaking natural beauty, Rangamati has long been one of the country’s most attractive travel destinations.
Every year, thousands of tourists visit the district, while the pressure increases manifold during long holidays.
Among the district’s most popular attractions, Sajek Valley is expected to witness the highest tourist turnout during the Eid vacation.
Holidaymakers seeking relief from the stress of urban life are expected to flock to Rangamati’s lakes, hills and waterfalls. Tourist hotspots, including Sajek Valley, the iconic Hanging Bridge, Kaptai Lake, Polwel Park and Cottage, Aranyak Resort, Shuvolong Waterfall, Rangadip Resort, Lake View Island and Nisarga Pod House are likely to become vibrant with visitors during the festive break.
Manager of Rangamati Tourism and Holiday Complex Alok Bikash Chakma said all preparations have already been completed to receive tourists during Eid-ul-Azha vacation.
“We are fully prepared to welcome tourists. Around 70-80 percent of rooms at our holiday complex have already been booked through online and offline reservations,” he said.
Bikash Chakma expressed hope that tourist arrivals will be much higher this year because of the long holiday and said efforts had been made to improve infrastructure and services to ensure maximum comfort for visitors.
Sajek Valley, known for its picturesque hills and clouds, remains one of the country’s most sought-after travel destinations during holidays.
Organising Secretary of the Resort and Cottage Owners’ Association of Sajek Rahul Chakma said most resort and cottage rooms in Sajek had already been booked ahead of Eid.
“All rooms are booked on Eid day. From the day after Eid, around 60-70 percent of rooms have been reserved for nearly the following week,” he said.
The Hanging Bridge, one of Rangamati’s most recognisable landmarks, continues to remain the centre of attraction for tourists visiting the district. Authorities have already completed renovation and repainting work to make the site more attractive ahead of the holiday season.
Tourist boat operators on the Kaptai Lake have also completed preparations for visitors planning lake cruises during the Eid break.
Manager of Rangamati Tourist Boat Terminal Md Fakhrul Islam said all repair, maintenance and painting work on tourist boats had already been completed. “We are now waiting to welcome tourists,” he said.
Rangamati Superintendent of Police Muhammad Rakib Uddin said security arrangements had been strengthened to ensure the safety of visitors during the Eid holidays.
He said help desks had been installed at important points to prevent harassment of tourists and ensure smooth travel across different tourist spots in the district.
“We are fully prepared to ensure tourists can travel safely and comfortably throughout Rangamati during the Eid vacation,” the SP added.
2 months ago
Experts urge boost in allocation for agriculture to ensure food security, curb inflation
Economists and sector experts have urged the government to prioritize the agriculture sector in the upcoming national budget for the fiscal year FY2026-27, warning that the continued decline in budgetary allocation could jeopardize long-term food security and inflation control.
The call comes ahead of the national budget announcement scheduled for June 11, with a projected outlay of nearly Tk 9.38 lakh crore.
Despite being a key economic driver that ensures food security, generates 40 percent of total employment, and keeps the rural economy functional, agriculture's share in the national budget has been under 10 percent for the last 14 consecutive fiscal years. In the ongoing FY 2025-26, the allocation plummeted to a record low of just 5.9 percent, according to an official document.
Expressing deep concern over this trend, the Bangladesh Agricultural Economists Association has demanded an allocation of at least 9.5 percent of the upcoming budget for agriculture, which would amount to roughly Tk 88,350 crore.
Professor ASM Golam Hafeez, a prominent faculty member at the Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) and General Secretary of the Bangladesh Agricultural Economists Association (BAEA), recently shared substantial policy recommendations for the national budget of FY2026-27.
Professor Hafeez pointed out a worrying downward trend over the last three fiscal years, highlighting that agriculture's share in the national budget dropped from 8.7 percent in FY2022-23 to just 5.9 percent in the current fiscal year, FY2025-26.
He urged the government to bump this allocation back up to 9.5 percent for the upcoming budget FY2026-27.
Given a projected national budget of Tk 9.3 lakh crore, this 9.5 percent allocation would translate to approximately Tk 88,350 crore for the agricultural sector. A major highlight of his recent budget recommendation was the call to significantly expand input subsidies due to soaring farming expenses.
Professor Hafeez demanded that the government increase agricultural subsidies to Tk 35,000 crore for the budget of FY2026-27. This is more than double the current allocation of Tk 17241 crore.
He argued that global energy market instabilities, geopolitical tensions (particularly involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz), and exchange rate volatility have sharply driven up the import costs of fertilizer, fuel, seeds, and agricultural machinery—placing immense financial strain on farmers.
Talking with UNB, Tawfiqul Islam Khan, a Senior Research Fellow and Additional Research Director of CPD, said that the government has to increase allocation in the agricultural sector, considering the global geopolitical situation and its impact on food security.
“Bangladesh has a huge population despite limited agricultural land, flash floods and other natural disaster is occurred in every season, so the budget allocation should focus on additional food production to keep macroeconomic stability,” he pointed out.
He said that eroding crop land and the high cost of production have forced farmers to reduce crop production to recover from loss. In this case, the budget should emphasize keeping the price of agriculture impute rational for encouraging agricultural production at the national level.
Widening Gap in Allocations and Subsidies:
While agriculture contributes roughly 11 percent to the GDP, fiscal support has failed to keep pace with the growing economy. In FY 2011-12, the agricultural sector received 10.65 percent of the total budget. This dwindled to 8.7 percent in FY 2022-23 and hit 5.9 percent this fiscal year.
Furthermore, the actual crop sector received only Tk 27,224 crore—a mere 3.45 percent of the total budget—out of the Tk 46,268 crore allocated across five agriculture-related ministries. Concurrently, agricultural subsidies saw a decline, dropping from Tk 17,261 crore in FY 2024-25 to Tk 17,241 crore in the current fiscal year, said Tawfiqul of CPD.
"Agricultural subsidy is not an expense; it is a long-term investment," noted prominent agricultural economist Professor Jahangir Alam. He warned that lower investments will inevitably suppress production, increase import dependency, and aggravate food inflation, which has hovered above 10 percent for most of the last four years, he opined.
Structural Shifts and Market Bottlenecks:
Experts pointed out that while farmers have significantly ramped up the production of rice, vegetables, fish, maize, and potatoes, they are continually deprived of fair prices due to the dominance of middlemen and lack of state storage facilities.
The current public warehouse capacity stands at only 22 lakh tonnes against an immediate national requirement of at least 60 lakh tonnes. The lack of cold chains and processing industries results in massive post-harvest losses every year.
The nature of Bangladesh’s agriculture is also shifting structurally. The crop sector's share in agricultural GDP has fallen from over 75 percent post-independence to around 46 percent today, with fisheries, livestock, and forestry gaining rapid ground. However, skyrocketing prices of animal feed and poultry medication have left dairy and poultry farmers under severe strain, said Professor Hafeez.
Climate Vulnerability and Mechanization Slowdown:
The sector faces growing threats from climate change. This year, early flash floods and heavy rainfall severely damaged Boro paddy crops across the vast Haor (wetland) regions, crippling farmers' incomes. Experts have strongly recommended emergency compensation funds, weather-resilient crop varieties, and the introduction of comprehensive agricultural insurance.
Additionally, the government's agricultural mechanization subsidy project has largely stagnated. Policy analysts suggested setting up union-based agricultural machinery banks to help marginalized farmers and offering tax exemptions to boost domestic manufacturing of machinery spare parts.
Currently, Bangladesh spends a mere 0.4 percent of its agricultural GDP on research and development, compared to the 3 to 5 percent spent by many developing nations.
To deliver a truly farmer-friendly fiscal plan, experts summarized that the upcoming budget must elevate agricultural financing to at least 10 percent, raise subsidies to Tk 40,000 crore, digitize the procurement system via a national farmer database, and fast-track investments in climate-smart technologies.
2 months ago
A Ramsar site under pressure: Plastic traps threaten Tanguar Haor
One of Bangladesh’s most ecologically significant freshwater wetlands, Tanguar Haor, is facing growing environmental threats from the widespread use of plastic fish traps and what conservationists describe as a lack of effective enforcement against destructive fishing practices.
Spread across nearly 126 square kilometres in Sunamganj’s Tahirpur and Madhyanagar upazilas, Tanguar Haor is recognised as the country’s second Ramsar site after the Sundarbans and serves as a vital reservoir of biodiversity.
But environmentalists warn that increasing plastic pollution coupled with illegal fishing methods is undermining the fragile ecosystem.
Once home to between 140 and 200 species of indigenous fish, the haor has witnessed a steady decline in aquatic biodiversity in recent years.
Experts attribute the trend to multiple environmental pressures, including overfishing, illegal fishing nets and the growing use of plastic-made “Kiranmala chai” traps that have become common across the wetland.
According to locals and environmental groups, fishermen frequently leave behind discarded plastic traps after harvesting fish.
These non-biodegradable materials remain floating on the water surface or settle on the lakebed for years, gradually breaking down into microplastics.
Environmental experts said the resulting microplastic contamination poses a serious risk to fish and other aquatic organisms.
The particles can enter the food chain through aquatic species, affecting fish growth and reproduction while threatening the broader ecological balance of the wetland.
The discarded plastic also obstructs natural water flow, further disrupting the haor’s ecosystem.
Representatives of the Environment and Haor Development Organisation said Tanguar Haor is already under pressure from illegal current nets, ‘China duari traps’ and excessive fish harvesting.
The addition of plastic pollution has made the situation increasingly alarming.
They also noted signs of declining oxygen levels in water, reduced aquatic vegetation growth and lower fish breeding rates.
Every year, fresh floodwaters entering the haor through rivers bring various fish species into the wetland.
With early monsoon flows arriving this year due to heavy rainfall in Cherrapunji, water levels in the Jadukata and Patlai rivers rose earlier than usual, allowing fish to enter the haor ahead of schedule.
Taking advantage of the situation, many local fishermen have reportedly intensified the use of plastic traps throughout the wetland. The traps are particularly popular because they can catch shrimp and a variety of small fish species with minimal effort.
Despite recurring criticism and periodic discussions about the environmental impact of the traps, locals alleged authorities have yet to establish a sustained campaign to stop their production, storage and sale.
2 months ago
As Eid exodus peaks, up to 13 million set to leave Dhaka despite weather worries
With the seven-day Eid-ul-Azha holiday now underway, the annual exodus from the capital has gathered full momentum, as millions of people continue leaving Dhaka to celebrate the festival with their families in hometowns across the country.
Passenger welfare and road safety experts estimate that between 10 million and 13 million people could leave the capital during the Eid holidays, although adverse weather conditions may force some travellers to cancel or postpone their trips.
Main Eid congregation to be held at 7:30am at National Eidgah
Bus terminals, railway stations and launch ghats witnessed increasing crowds since early morning on Monday as homebound travellers rushed to catch their desired transport amid the holiday movement.
Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity Secretary General Md Mozammel Hoque Chowdhury said the organisation expects between 10 million and 11.5 million people to leave Dhaka city for Eid celebrations.
“However, the number could be lower if bad weather discourages some people from travelling,” he said.
2 months ago
Medium-sized cattle leading buyers’ choice in Dhaka haats
With Eid-ul-Azha approaching, Dhaka’s cattle markets are witnessing a growing rush of buyers and sellers as the capital prepares for one of Bangladesh’s largest seasonal economic activities driven by the Qurbani livestock trade.
Traders said adequate sacrificial animals have already arrived in the city from different districts, while authorities and market management committees claim sufficient preparations have been taken to ensure smooth trading in the designated cattle markets across the capital.
Visiting three of the city’s cattle markets (haats), UNB learned medium-sized cattle priced between Tk 1 lakh and Tk 2 lakh are currently dominating buyer demand, as many city residents are planning to sacrifice jointly with family members, neighbours or friends.
Cattle from districts including Kushtia, Chuadanga, Rajshahi, Pabna, Sirajganj, Faridpur, Jashore and Dinajpur are being displayed at the city’s temporary and permanent cattle markets.
2 months ago
From haat to farm: Cumilla buyers seek relief from high hasil, hassle
High hasil (service tax), security concerns and the hassle of transporting and keeping sacrificial animals are driving many buyers in Cumilla city to purchase cattle directly from farms ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.
Farm owners and buyers said the trend of purchasing sacrificial animals from farms instead of traditional cattle markets has been growing over the past few years.
The Cumilla district administration, meanwhile, warned that no one will be allowed to collect hasil beyond the fixed rates and legal action will be taken against irregularities.
A visit to Farid Agro Farm by Cumilla-Suagazi road at Kamalpur in Cumilla Sadar South upazila found cattle being raised in a clean environment with locally sourced feed. The farm currently has around 30 saleable cattle, all of local Shahiwal breed.
Prices range from Tk 3 lakh to Tk 10 lakh. The farm’s largest bull, named “Rajababu,” weighs over 1,000 kg and has been priced at Tk 10 lakh.
Farm authorities said easy transportation, hygienic conditions and doorstep delivery services are attracting buyers.
Khaled Monsur Imon, manager of Farid Agro Farm, said many city residents are opting for farms due to the difficulties keeping and feeding cattle at home.
“Several cattle have already been sold. Some buyers will receive delivery a day before Eid, while others will get their animals on Eid day,” he said.
Mohammad Ziaul Haque Litu, director of JH Agro Park at Dhanuakhola under Kalirbazar union of Sadar upazila, said cattle sales from his farm have increased compared to last year.
“The main reasons are the hassle of keeping cattle and buyers’ desire for healthy animals,” he said.
Ahmed Shoaib Sohel, secretary of Cumilla Club, who bought a cow from a farm, said purchasing cattle from markets requires time and effort, while there are also concerns over animal health and accommodation.
“So, I bought a sacrificial animal in advance from a farm. They will deliver it to my house on Eid morning,” he said.
Additional District Livestock Officer Dr Mohammad Ismail Hossain said medical teams are working to prevent the sale of sick animals in cattle markets.
“This year, 85 medical teams will work at more than 400 cattle markets across the district,” he said, adding that many buyers are now preferring farms to avoid crowds and inconvenience.
Cumilla Deputy Commissioner Md Reza Hasan said authorities are working to ensure security at cattle markets and prevent circulation of counterfeit currency.
He said cattle markets have also been barred from operating on school and college grounds and along highways.
“No one will be allowed to collect hasil beyond the approved rates. Legal action will be taken against any irregularities,” the DC added.
2 months ago
Chandpur farmers pin hopes on fair prices as 66,000 sacrificial animals ready
Cattle markets in Chandpur are bustling with activity ahead of Eid-ul-Azha as farmers prepare more than 66,000 sacrificial animals for sale, hoping to secure fair prices during the peak trading season.
Despite strong preparations, many farmers remain concerned about market volatility and the possible influx of cattle from a neighboring country, which they fear could affect prices.
According to the Department of Livestock Services, Chandpur district currently has 66,098 sacrificial animals ready for sale against an estimated demand of around 75,000, leaving a shortfall of about 9,000animals.
Officials, however, said the gap would likely be filled by small-scale seasonal traders and farmers from remote char areas and neighboring districts.
District Livestock Officer Dr Jyotirmoy Bhowmik said there would be no shortage of sacrificial animals this year.
“We have sufficient local production and the remaining demand will be met by marginal farmers and seasonal traders. We expect a smooth supply during Eid,” he told UNB.
The ready animals include 27,346 bulls, 8,366 oxen, 10,571 cows, 23 buffaloes, 19,346 goats and 446 sheep.
Visits to major cattle markets including Sofarmali, Bagadi Chourasta, Puranbazar and Bakila in Haziganj revealed that cattle trade have already gained momentum.
Buyers said cattle prices this year are slightly higher than last year.
“Prices have increased compared to previous years, especially for healthy local bulls,” said Abu Sayeed, a cattle buyer in Chandpur town.
Traders were seen bringing truckloads of cattle from Faridpur and northern districts to local markets, although buyers appeared to prefer locally raised cattle.
According to livestock officials, around 4,155 entrepreneurs — mostly young farmers — are involved in raising sacrificial animals across Chandpur’s eight upazilas. Nearly 300 temporary and permanent cattle markets have been set up in the district ahead of Eid.
Many farmers said they purchased young bulls several months ago and raised them using locally produced feed such as grass, straw, oil cake and bran.
While small and medium-sized cattle are mainly sold in local markets, larger bulls are increasingly marketed online.
During a visit at several farms, workers were seen caring for cattle that are expected to be sold within the next week.
Despite their preparations, many farmers expressed anxiety over market prices.
“If Indian cattle do not enter the market in large numbers, we hope to get good prices this year,” said farmer Khaled Khan from Nanupur village in Sadar upazila.
Khaled, who has been involved in cattle farming for two decades, said he has prepared several bulls for Eid, with prices ranging between Tk 90,000 and Tk 1.2 lakh.
Another farmer, Ahmed Ali from Ghashipur village, said he has 32 cattle in his farm including seven bulls raised entirely on local feed.
Some farmers are targeting high-end buyers with premium bulls.
Nargis Begum of Hamankardi village in Maishadi union has prepared three large bulls aged between three and five years.
Among them is a bull named “Raja Babu,” for which she is seeking Tk 12 lakh. Another bull, “Hamankardi King,” is priced at Tk 10 lakh, while the smallest one is expected to sell for around Tk 5 lakh.
Farm worker Md Moslem said the animals were raised naturally without artificial fattening methods.
“We fed them local grass, straw and bran. We are taking special care of them every day,” he said.
Many buyers expressed more interest in locally farmed cattle, citing concerns about chemical fattening practices sometimes used by outside traders.
“People in the city now prefer cattle raised by local farmers because they trust the quality more,” said Abdul Barek, a resident of Chandpur town.
To ensure smooth trading during Eid, the livestock department officials said mobile teams, including veterinary surgeons, will monitor cattle markets, resolve disputes and check counterfeit currency duringtransactions.
2 months ago