Medium-sized cattle are witnessing the highest demand at Dhaka’s makeshift markets set up ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, while large, high-priced cows are struggling to attract buyers, traders said.
During visits to several cattle markets in the capital, animals priced between Tk 90,000 and Tk 1.8 lakh appeared to be the most sought-after by customers.
Trader Alam Bepari brought six cows to the Merul Badda market after his usual selling spot in Aftabnagar did not host a market this year.
Four of his cows, all medium-sized, were sold for prices ranging from Tk 1.2 to Tk 1.62 lakh.
“The remaining two are large cows. I’m asking Tk 5 lakh for each, but the highest offers so far are around Tk 2.3 lakh,” he said.
“Last year, cows priced at Tk 5 lakh sold out just before Eid. Cows priced at Tk 10 to 15 lakh sold well in Aftabnagar. This year, I haven’t seen such buyers. No one is offering above Tk 2 lakh,” Alam added.
At the Diabari market in Uttara, Monir Hossain from Manikganj brought four cows.
He managed to sell three, but the biggest one remains unsold.
“I spent the most raising this cow. I’m asking Tk 7.5 lakh but am ready to settle for Tk 5 lakh. Buyers are only offering Tk 2.8 lakh,” he said.
Trader Ledu Hawladar, also at Diabari, brought only medium-sized cows this year.
“Last time, I faced losses with large cows. This year, medium-sized cattle are selling well, and buyers are paying good prices,” he said.
Buyers pointed to several reasons behind the drop in demand for large cattle. Abul Kalam, a customer, said, “People who buy cows for Tk 10 to 20 lakh are usually either big businessmen or those with unaccounted money. Even many wealthy people avoid spending such amounts. Instead, they prefer buying multiple cows within a Tk 5 lakh budget. A Tk 20 lakh cow is more about showing off than sacrifice.”
Another buyer, Shahidul Islam, said past incidents have changed people’s attitudes.
“High-profile cattle from Sadik Agro and the goat controversy involving Matiur have made people cautious. If someone buys a Tk 20 lakh cow, questions are raised about the source of income. That’s a major concern in our country. Honest earners rarely think of spending Tk 30 lakh on one cow,” he said.
Buyers also reported that no small cows are available below Tk 60,000. A visit to the markets confirmed the observation, with most small cows priced between Tk 65,000 and Tk 80,000.
Traders attributed the high price of small cows to rising expenses.
“Even for smaller animals, rearing and transport costs are high. At minimum profit, the price stands at Tk 60,000 to Tk 70,000,” one trader said.
Goats have emerged as a preferred choice for many middle- and lower-middle-income buyers. Most goats are selling between Tk 15,000 and Tk 30,000. In some areas, goats are being sold on street corners, where prices are slightly lower than at markets.
Trader Safed Ali brought 20 goats from Gaibandha to the Bashundhara area. “I’m asking Tk 15,000 for goats yielding around 10 to 12 kg of meat. For larger ones yielding over 20 kg, the price ranges from Tk 25,000 to Tk 30,000,” he said.
Moizuddin, another goat seller, said demand for goats is high this year. “People are buying more goats than cows. Many buyers are taking two goats at a time,” he said.
Buyers said they are choosing goats to fulfil their religious obligation while staying within budget.
Haji Ali, a resident of Shahjadpur, bought three goats from Bhatara. Last year, he offered a cow, but this time opted for goats.
“The cows priced at Tk 60,000 to Tk 65,000 are in poor condition. My brothers and I usually share the cost. We didn’t find any suitable cows, so we bought these three goats for Tk 45,000,” he said.
This year, 21 authorised cattle markets have been set up under Dhaka’s two city corporations. Some larger markets also have buffaloes, sheep and dumba on sale, though these animals are drawing little interest for sacrificial purposes.