The government has taken comprehensive measures to ensure security and smooth trading at cattle markets across the country ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, including the installation of counterfeit currency detection machines and on-site banking services, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid said on Sunday.
Speaking to reporters after inspecting the Diabari cattle market in the capital, he said fake note detector machines have been installed at cattle markets to prevent the circulation of counterfeit currency during the busy Eid trading season.
The minister said dedicated banking services have also been arranged at markets, enabling sellers to deposit their earnings safely or open bank accounts instantly to secure their money.
Responding to a question, he said the country has an adequate supply of sacrificial animals and this year's Eid demand can be fully met through locally reared livestock. “The number of cows, goats and buffaloes produced by domestic farmers and ranchers is more than sufficient to meet national demand.”
Addressing concerns over missing or stolen animals at cattle markets, Aminur said administration officials, law enforcement agencies and volunteer teams are working round the clock at major markets.
He said measures such as announcements through loudspeakers, strict monitoring and dedicated assistance cells have been put in place, adding that in most cases missing animals are being quickly traced and returned to their owners.
On the issue of illegal cattle inflow through borders, the minister reiterated the government's zero-tolerance stance in this regard.
He said necessary directives had already been issued to border guards, local administration and law enforcement agencies during an inter-ministerial meeting held ahead of the Eid season.
When asked about cattle prices, Aminur said the country's livestock trade still largely depends on bargaining based on an animal's health, size, build and appearance, which often leads to price variations among similar-looking animals.
He suggested introducing a live-weight pricing system in the future to make transactions more transparent and standardised.
The minister also ruled out the possibility of market manipulation, saying the large number of buyers and sellers participating in cattle markets makes it difficult to form any artificial syndicate. “Animal prices are determined by market competition and the forces of supply and demand.”
He further said adequate personnel have been deployed to maintain discipline, security and smooth transactions at cattle markets in the capital and elsewhere in the country, and that the measures will remain in force until Eid day.
Director General of the Department of Livestock Services Md Shahzaman Khan and Director Dr Md Bayzer Rahman were present during the visit.