The biggest cattle market in the southwest region, in “Sat mile” (7 Miles) in Sharsha Upazila of Jashore, is running without a lease. By depositing a small amount of money in the government treasury, a local group of BNP men took control of the market. The administration is ‘pretending’ not to know the matter. Jamal Uddin, a local resident, said that the lease of Sat Mile cattle market in Baganchra ended on April 13 this year. After that, Baganchra Union Awami League general secretary Elias Kabir Bakul and Kaiba Union Awami League president Hasan Firoz Tinku illegally ran the market without any lease. Traders accepted cards from them for Tk3000, but they used to collect extra Tk500 per cow from them. Tk1000-1200 taka per cow was collected from common buyers. However, since the cow market was not leased, the government pass price was Tk 400 to Tk 600. After the fall of the dictatorial government, those leaders of Awami League fled. Later, Sharsha upazila administration was managing the cattle market with the students for two days. The card holders were angry when each cow pass started at the same price from the card holders and ordinary buyers in the market. The upazila administration closed the market on August 20, fearing the deterioration of law and order if they started the movement. After a month, the market was reopened on September 20. Baganchra BNP leader Jahangir Hossain took over the cattle market. His team now earns Tk 12 lakh per cattle market (each day the market sits) but only Tk 2 lakh is deposited to the government Fund. According to sources, Jahangir Hossain, the joint convener of the local union BNP, got the unwritten responsibility of the cattle market after the change of political crises. He got 5 hats after taking charge. Markets are held here two days a week, Tuesday and Saturday. According to sources, each cattle market earns at least TK.12 lakh. But they deposit only Tk 90,000 to Tk 1.2 lakh deposited in the government fund. On April 23 this year Baganchra UP chairman Abdul Khalek made a written request to the Deputy Commissioner of Jashore alleging irregularities in Sat Mile's cattle market. In the application, he mentioned that on April 9, the Sharsha Upazila Officer formed a committee of 7 members to collect the toll of this market (Memorandum: 05.44.4190.002185.005.2024.348/09.04.24), which was chaired by Baganchra union Chairman. Sharsha Upazila Executive Officer (UNO)Nazir Ahmed said that the Sat mile Cattle market will be leased soon. The government is getting Tk 2 lakh per from the Cattle market without lease. Five percent of the money collected from the cattle market is spent on the development of the Union Parishad, and 15 percent of the cattle market.

With Eid-ul-Azha set to be celebrated on June 17, the cattle markets in Chandpur district are buzzing with traders and sellers, eagerly preparing for the festive occasion. The excitement is palpable as the district comes alive with the sights and sounds of bustling cattle markets. Despite a reported shortage of 20,000 cattle, the District Livestock Department assures that the supply will meet the demand. According to Dr. Jotirmoy Bhoumik, the district livestock officer, most of the demand for sacrificial animals has been fulfilled from local farms. A total of 61,489 sacrificial animals have been prepared across 3,269 cattle farms in the district, supplemented by cattle arriving from other parts of the country. SC upholds HC order disallowing cattle market at Aftabnagar Amidst this lively backdrop, two bulls have stolen the spotlight. In Nathora village, in Hajiganj upazila, "Sultan," a majestic black bull weighing 800 kg, has become the talk of the town. Reared by Ali Ahmed, a local school teacher, Sultan has drawn crowds from far and wide. Ali is asking for Tk 8 lakh for this impressive specimen. Equally captivating is "Raza," a black and white bull weighing 1,000 kg, from Rari Kandi village in North Matlab upazila. Owner Elias Dewan, a businessman, has nurtured Raza with a natural diet for several years. "It is impossible to bring Raza to the cattle market; no one can control him. I've been on guard all night. He was born on the farm about two and a half years ago from a Friesian breed cow," Elias shared. The daily feeding routine includes paddy husk, grass, pulse, maize flour, rice, oil cake, raw banana, carrot, apple, and other fruits, costing Tk 800 per day. Elias is also asking for Tk 8 lakh for Raza, who enjoys the comfort of two electric fans and twice-daily baths. In Faridganj upazila, "Zayed Khan," another massive bull weighing 25-30 maunds, has been raised by Amir Hossain. Priced at Tk 15 lakh, Zayed Khan has been a four-year labor of love for Amir, who, like Elias, prefers to keep his prized bull away from the crowded markets. No cattle market at Aftabnagar this year as HC stays leasing process  

Qurbani Eid 2023 festival is just around the corner. Like every year, Muslims in Bangladesh are eager to purchase sacrificial animals. However, visiting the animal haat (markets) physically to buy sacrificial animals during this sweltering summer heat can be a daunting task for many. Keeping all this in mind, different online platforms are once again starting online cattle markets.  4 Online Cattle Markets in Bangladesh for Eid-ul-Azha 2023 Purchasing sacrificial animals online has become more common nowadays, and fortunately, there are online Qurbani haat available in Bangladesh. Let’s explore these “digital haat” in detail. Bikroy Birat Haat Powered by Minister To celebrate the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, Bikroy.com, a renowned platform for buying and selling livestock, has joined hands with Minister Hi-Tech Park Ltd., a well-known manufacturer of electronics and home appliances, and OPPO Bangladesh, a global mobile manufacturing company. Together, they have organized a Qurbani campaign called ‘Bikroy Birat Haat Powered by Minister.’  Read more: Eid-ul-Azha 2023: Cumilla to have a surplus of 8,606 sacrificial animals, says livestock dept Just like every Eid-ul-Azha, Bikroy is once again offering a special collection of farm animals exclusively for its valued customers. The Bikroy website already showcases over 1,600 advertisements for livestock. To boost the popularity of Bikroy online haat, like every year, the company also launched the Birat Haat Contest. However, this year the contest will be different. Minister has taken on the role of Title Sponsor for the seventh consecutive time, while OPPO has joined as an Associate Partner for the first time. To participate in the Birat Haat contest, individuals are required to create a video following the theme song of Birat Haat along with its catchy dance step. The video should be shared on either one or all of the respective Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube profiles with the #BiratHaat2023 caption. Additionally, participants are also required to submit the video link to the Bikroy Blog site. Among the submitted videos, 18 lucky winners will be chosen based on their entertainment value and uniqueness. Read more: PM accepts cow as gift from couple for Eid-ul-Azha sacrifice For the Member contest, 15 winners will be selected from sellers across all categories who have the highest number of ads, the most views, and ad responses. All winners will be rewarded with exciting prizes such as refrigerators, LED TVs, smartphones, and more, with a total value of BDT 6 lakh, sponsored by Minister Hi-Tech Park Ltd. and OPPO Bangladesh. Bengal Meat Qurbani  On June 1 of this year, Bengal Meat announced the launch of the Qurbani portal for the 9th consecutive year. They sell organic grass-fed cattle, offering a unique and distinct option for customers. Customers have the convenience of ordering their preferred cattle through the online platform, and the cattle are then delivered while maintaining the necessary quality. Sadeeq Agro  Popular livestock farm Sadeeq Agro also arranged online cattle haat this year. The buyers can check their website to order any cattle they like. The site provides weight, and all other required information regarding the cattle. However, buyers can also visit their farm to see the cow and verify the weight.  Read more: Bhaijan now coming to Jashore Qurbani cows can be ordered up to 7 days before Eid-ul-Azha. However, the buyer will be required to pay 10% in advance. The cost of cows vary as per the weight. After the order, Sadeeq Agro will deliver according to the customer’s preferred date. The best thing about Sadeeq Agro is that they do not have any delivery charges. And they deliver anywhere in the Dhaka metropolitan area. Khaas Food This year, Khaas Food has launched an Online Qurbani Haat, aiming to provide a convenient platform for purchasing sacrificial animals. It features a diverse selection of cows sourced from numerous farms and breeds. Each cow comes with detailed information, including weight, age, height, feed, gender, and colour.  Additionally, Khaas Food ensures transparency and clarity regarding the health of the cattle by specifying the vaccines they have received. To secure a booking, customers are required to make an upfront payment of 50% via bKash or credit card, with the remaining amount due before delivery. Delivery of sacrificial animals will be completed in 2-4 days before Eid. BDT 3000 is applicable for delivery charges. In this case, the delivery will be done according to the order of booking and the customer’s demand. Final Words For the last few years, the trend of Online Qurbani Haat in Bangladesh has revolutionized the way people participate in the tradition of animal sacrifice. The digital platform provides convenience, accessibility, and a wide range of options for individuals looking to purchase sacrificial animals. However, it is upon the buyers, to check all the detailed information such as breed, weight, age, height, feed, gender, and colour before purchasing a cattle. Thus, buyers can choose the best sacrificial animals from the online cattle markets for the holy occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. Read more: With Eid-ul-Azha approaching, Khulna cattle famers distraught over price hike of fodder

Gabtoli Haat, one of the largest cattle markets of the country, has gained momentum with a day left for Eid-ul-Azha as a number of sacrificial animals have been brought to this market since Thursday noon. Traders were seen keeping the sacrificial cattle at suitable places at the haat in order to attract buyers.

A special cattle train from Chapainawabganj left for Dhaka Wednesday with 22 sacrificial animals ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. District Livestock Officer Mostafizur Rahman inaugurated the service at Chapainawabganj Railway Station in the afternoon. Chapainawabganj Assistant Station Master Obaidullah said the train left for the capital with 18 cows and four goats. The cattle train will leave Chapainawabganj Station at 4.30pm and reach the capital by night every day. It will leave Tejgaon for Chapainawabganj at 5am. Read: Cattle traders robbed of Tk 30 lakh in Meghna The transportation cost for each cow has been fixed at Tk591.50 and each goat at Tk296. The train service will continue until July 8, Obaidullah added. The special service was launched on the Chapainawabganj-Rajshahi-Dhaka (Tejgaon) route on July 17 last year to transport sacrificial animals at a low cost considering the Covid-19 situation.

The government will not allow cattle markets on roads and highways ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha, said Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque."Markets of sacrificial animals on roads and highways and extortion from animals carrying trucks will not be allowed in any way," he said, while talking to reporters after a meeting on Sunday afternoon.The decision was taken at the Cabinet committee meeting on law and order situation held in the conference room of the Home Ministry.The minister said, "From now on, there will be a big signboard about the toll rate and the chart must be visible in the market."The mobile court will also monitor the market so that the cattle marketers can't take more toll, the minister added. Read: Restriction on motorcycle driving, ride-sharing for a week during Eid The minister also talked about the prices of rawhide. He said that in the last two years we have noticed that people are not getting a fair price for rawhide. As there is no processing system of rawhide in our country the middlemen enjoy all the benefits. Those who sell rawhide get very low prices, he added.However, the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Industries would meet soon and announce the rate of rawhide."Delegations of the Ministry of Industry and Environment will visit the leather industrial area of Savar in two days. So that the factories can run effectively."

In Thakurgaon, Barakat is the talk of the town ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. Barakat is no ordinary bull, but a neutered male popular for its meat. The big bull weighs around 28 maund. Read: Samrat: The king bull of Chapainawabganj Its owner farmer Zillur Rahman  said that he reared the bull in his dairy in Dhumunia Shahpara village of Pirganj upazila of Thakurgaon along with twenty more cattles. "I spend around Tk 600 a day to feed this huge bull," he told UNB. Zillur  set up a small cattle farm in his homestead in 2011. “For more than four years, I have been rearing Barakat. The bull eats different types of foods including wheat bran, rice bran, maze, dried hay and raw grass," he said. "If any buyer from outside Rangpur division buys the bull, I will deliver it at my own cost, '' added Zillur. Read: Kalo Manik: The big bull that's ready to charge this Eid! Besides, the bull gets showers several times a day. Everyday locals throng Zillur’s dairy to catch a glimpse of the big bull. According to sources at the Thakurgan Livestock and Fisheries Department, enough sacrificial animals are available in the upazila this year. 

Ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, Samrat is hogging the limelight in Chapainawabganj’s Shibganj upazila. Samrat isn't any other ordinary bull, technically a steer, a neutered male popular for its meat – the cattle weighs around 40 maund. Zulfikar Ali, its owner, said he reared the bull in his dairy in Shahbazpur village of the district's Shibganj upazila that he started some five years ago. Everyday locals throng Zulfikar’s dairy to catch a glimpse of the big bull.  

In Barishal, Tufan is the talk of the town ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. Tufan isn't any other ordinary bull, technically a steer, a neutered male popular for its meat -- the 5ft tall cattle weighs around 25 maund. Read: Kalo Manik: The big bull that's ready to charge this Eid! Emdadul Haque Raihan, its owner, said that he reared the bull in his dairy next to his brick kiln in Ranirhat village of Bakerganj upazila of Barisal. "I spend around Tk 1,200 a day to feed this huge bull," he told UNB. Everyday locals throng Raihan’s dairy to catch a glimpse of the big bull.  Read: Sher Khan may trigger bull run in Kushtia cattle market Sohag, who takes care of Tufan, said that the big bull eats around 12kg of food daily, which includes wheat bran, rice bran, maze, dried hay and raw grass. Besides, the bull gets a bath daily. According to sources at the Barishal Livestock and Fisheries Department, “Enough sacrificial animals are available in the upazila. However, farmers are a bit worried about getting good prices.”

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Sunday expressed concern over health protocol breaches at the cattle markets across the country where trading of sacrificial animals is underway, with Eid-ul-Azha just around the corner. "As the cattle markets are supervised by the local government and rural development ministry, we know they too are monitoring the health safety measures there. Also, both buyers and sellers should show responsibility," Dr Nazmul Islam, spokesperson for the DGHS, said at a virtual briefing. Read: Mask-wearing campaign kicks off at cattle markets in 2 cities The DGHS already issued specific suggestions to all civil surgeons in this connection, he added. "Teams led by the civil surgeons and the deputy commissioners were already monitoring the health safety rules in all districts." With Covid's Delta variant spreading fast, Bangladesh is now facing the worst scenario as the country's caseload crossed 1.1 million today. Read: Covid kills 225 more in Bangladesh as cases cross 1.1 million-mark It also recorded 225 new fatalities; the new numbers pushed its death tally to 17,894. The total caseload from Covid now stands at 1,103,989 as 11,578 fresh cases were reported in the past 24 hours, according to the DGHS.