Bangladesh is anticipating a significant boost to its economy this upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, with the sacrificial animal market projected to surpass Tk 1 lakh crore.
Speakers at a seminar highlighted that this year will see the safest livestock available for Qurbani, while also criticizing past policies that crippled the country's leather industry, allegedly to undermine madrasas.
Calls were also made for the formation of an agriculture commission to bolster the livestock and agricultural sectors.
These insights emerged from a seminar titled 'Qurbani with Local Animals: What to Do in Animal and Leather Management,' organized by the Bangladesh Agricultural Journalists Forum (BAJF) at the Agriculturists Institution Bangladesh (KIB) on Monday.
Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akhter, the chief guest, emphasized that Qurbani is a matter of profound emotion and religious sentiment.
She noted the remarkable recovery of local farmers, particularly in border regions, where interest in rearing cattle and goats has surged.
She highlighted that women farmers and entrepreneurs are increasingly raising livestock at home, leading to a near-complete independence from foreign imports for Qurbani.
Farida Akhter also expressed optimism for new opportunities in the leather industry.
She mentioned the government's initiative to distribute free salt for rawhide preservation and the setting of fixed prices for raw leather. If necessary, raw hides will be preserved and exported.
Special guest Tabith Awal stressed the need to focus on the supply chain in the livestock sector, acknowledging past damages and emphasizing future development. He suggested that Bangladesh could emerge as a meat-exporting nation while also prioritizing milk production.
Samanta Sharmin, Senior Joint Convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), strongly criticized past policies, alleging that the price of raw leather was deliberately suppressed to weaken madrasas and religious education, these institutions earn money of expenditure from rawhide.
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She underscored the spiritual reverence for animals in Islam, prohibiting the sacrifice or sale of sick animals.
Dr. Shakila Faruq, Director General of the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI), emphasized giving importance to both local and cross-breeds. She also called for curbing middlemen to ensure fair prices for marginal farmers.
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The seminar, presided over by BAJF President Golam Iftekhar Mahmud and moderated by General Secretary Shahanowar Said Shahin, also saw participation from First Security Islami Bank Chairman Mohammad Abdul Mannan, Krishibid Group Managing Director Dr. Ali Afzal, and Director General (Current Charge) of the Department of Livestock Services Dr. Md. Boyzer Rahman, among others. Dr. ABM Khaleduzzaman, Director (Production) of the Department of Livestock Services, and Dr. Md. Jasim Uddin, Director of the Livestock and Dairy Development Project (LDDP), presented concept papers.