United News of Bangladesh

With Eid-ul-Azha just around the corner, cattle markets across Feni are bustling with life.  From dusty village corners to pop-up haats crowding urban alleys, the district is abuzz with a familiar blend of festivity, negotiation, and expectation—each hoofbeat echoing the spirit of sacrifice and tradition. According to district administration, this year, 112 markets have been set up across Feni’s six upazilas.  Trading officially began on May 30, and since then, the rush of buyers and sellers has only grown stronger.  Dhaka's cattle markets take shape as Eid-ul-Azha nears Rows of cows, goats, sheep, and even buffalo are lined up, their handlers negotiating prices and the rhythmic hum of market chatter. But while supply is abundant, buyers and sellers are finding themselves on opposite ends of the price debate. Price Dilemma “The cost of raising cattle has gone up a lot this year,” said Fazlul Haque, a seasoned cattle farmer from Fulgazi, gently patting a sturdy brown cow. “We’ve spent more on feed, medicine, and labour. So naturally, we can’t afford to sell at lower rates.” He isn’t alone. Farmers across the district echo the same concern. With feed prices shooting up and general inflation pressing hard, most say they’ve had to adjust their prices accordingly. Eid-ul-Azha: Cattle markets gain momentum in Madaripur On the other side of the negotiation table, buyers like Abdul Mannan said prices have climbed well above expectations.  “A medium-sized cow is selling for Tk 80,000 to Tk 1.2 lakh,” he said while scanning a group of animals at a haat in Sonagazi. “That’s 15 to 20 per cent more than last year. A small increase is fine, but this feels a bit too steep.” Yet, others concede the quality of the animals this year is commendable. “The locally-reared cows are strong and healthy,” said another buyer. “Given that, the prices might actually be fair.” Stronger Supply  Than  Demand  According to the District Livestock Office, Feni is more than prepared to meet local demand. The requirement this year stands at 82,336 sacrificial animals, while 87,227 are already ready for sale. Of these, 69,360 are cows, 1,667 buffalo, 13,243 goats, and 3,147 sheep. The average price of each cow is between Tk 80,000 and 5,00,000 and the price of a goat is between Tk 15,000 and 40,000. Accordingly, about Tk 1,500 crore of livestock can be sold at the greater Cumilla division market this time, according to officials’ forecast. District Livestock Officer Md Mozammel Haque said, "There is no fear of a shortage of sacrificial animals in Feni this time. Apart from the at least 5,000 registered farmers in the district, many are privately raising one or more sacrificial animals." The surplus isn’t new. Last year, Feni also saw supply outpace demand, even amidst a backdrop of economic uncertainty and the lingering effects of natural disasters. Last year, the demand for sacrificial animals in the district was 87,200 while, 90,250 cattle were raised commercially and domestically. Though devastating floods wreaked havoc across all six upazilas of Feni. A total of 35 unions were affected, resulting in the death of nearly 39,000 cows and goats and damage worth over Tk 396 crore to the district’s livestock and poultry sector, according to reports. Push for Better  Practices As Eid draws nearer, the cattle markets are not only growing busier, they’re also becoming more organised. Farms like Madina Agro are now offering buyers the option to purchase livestock early and house them until sacrifice day. “Customers can even use the live-weight system to determine the animal’s worth,” said Mahmudul Hasan Sabbir, the farm’s manager. Meanwhile, district authorities have taken steps to ensure cleanliness. Each market has designated waste dumping areas, mobile cleaning teams, and a 24-hour cleanup mandate once the haats close.  “Protecting the environment is a key priority,” said Deputy Commissioner Saiful Islam. “We won’t allow Eid festivities to result in public nuisance.” The Department of Livestock is also providing training for both professional and seasonal butchers, along with awareness programmes on hide preservation and livestock handling. Keeping Trouble at Bay  Security is another major focus this year. From petty theft to extortion, cattle markets are known hotspots for crime. But Feni’s police say they’re prepared. “Special teams are already active to prevent extortion, snatching, and pickpocketing,” said Feni’s Superintendent of Police Habibur Rahman. “We’re also monitoring rumours and other attempts to create artificial crises.” To further safeguard the market ecosystem, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has stepped up vigilance along the frontier to prevent illegal cross-border cattle smuggling.  “In March and April, a total of 123 Indian cows were seized from different parts of Feni’s border,” said Lt Col Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain of BGB 4 Battalion. “This year, we are determined to keep the markets clean and fair.” Despite higher prices and recent hardships, the spirit of Eid-ul-Azha in Feni remains undeterred. The markets are full, the cows are healthy, and the hope among farmers is palpable. “This festival is about sacrifice,” said farmer Fazlul Haque. “And for us, it’s also about resilience. We’ve given everything to raise these animals. Now, we just hope people see the value in that.” As the district gears up for the final days before Eid, all eyes remain on the haats—where tradition, livelihood, and faith come together in a spectacle unique to the season. #With additional inputs from Julfekar Dehan

With Eid-ul-Azha approaching, Bangladesh has announced complete self-sufficiency in sacrificial cattle production, eliminating the need for imports from neighbouring countries, including India and Myanmar. Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter told reporters on May 4 that over 1.24 crore sacrificial animals will be available for the religious festival this year—more than enough to meet domestic demand, with an estimated surplus of 20 lakh animals.  Don't care about death, nothing to lose: Adviser Asif  “There is no need to import sacrificial animals,” she said, attributing the success to sustained efforts by the government and dedication from local farmers.  “We have made great progress in strengthening the livestock sector,” she said.  According to the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), Bangladesh produced more than 9.3 million tonnes of meat in the 2022–23 fiscal year, surpassing the national demand of 7.5 million tonnes. The push towards self-reliance intensified after India banned cattle exports in 2014. In response, Bangladeshi farmers expanded domestic production and the government imposed a formal ban on cattle imports from India in 2019. Since then, the number of cattle farmers has more than doubled.  Officials said educated youths have also entered the sector, adopting modern breeding techniques such as artificial insemination to improve livestock quality and productivity.  Rains, thunder showers with lightning likely in all divisions in next 24hr: BMD Declining Dependence on Imports For decades, Bangladesh relied heavily on cattle brought in from India—often through informal channels. From 1975 to 2000, an estimated 2 million animals were smuggled in annually. In 2012, around 2.6 million cattle entered from India, but that figure dropped sharply to just 92,000 by 2019. The downward trend continued, with only 86,000 kg of cattle imported in 2022, down from 26.6 million kg in 2015. The government’s Tk 310 million “Beef Cattle Development” project, implemented between 2013 and 2018, further boosted domestic capacity through scientific breeding initiatives.  But, efforts to commercialise Brahma cattle have stalled due to legal hurdles. Now, the government is considering a permanent ban on cattle imports, citing the risk of transboundary diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and peste des petits ruminants (PPR).  Officials warn that fresh imports could damage the domestic industry and pose public health risks. Farmers Oppose Imports Amid Price Concerns Despite the production surplus, meat prices remain high—reportedly around Tk 800 per kg in Dhaka markets—prompting some traders and consumers to call for temporary imports to control prices. Last year, the government even explored the possibility of importing cattle from Brazil, following a proposal by then-State Minister for Commerce Ahasanul Islam Titu during a meeting with Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira. But, farmers strongly opposed the move, urging the government instead to address rising input costs, particularly for cattle feed, which have been driven up by inflation and foreign exchange rates. The Bangladesh Dairy Farmers Association (BDFA) has reiterated its stance against imports.  “We have enough livestock,” a BDFA spokesperson said. “What we need is market regulation and support to reduce fodder costs.” Strict Border Control, Logistics and Hygiene Measures Authorities have stepped up border control measures to prevent illegal cattle entry.  Law enforcement agencies, including the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), police, and Coast Guard, began coordinated operations along border areas from May 4. To ensure smooth transportation of sacrificial animals, special livestock trains will operate from the northern districts to Dhaka and Chattogram. In the capital, 22 cattle markets will be established ahead of Eid—nine under the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), 11 under the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), and two permanent markets at Gabtoli and Sarulia. The government has also prioritised hygiene and veterinary services.  Nineteen cattle markets in Dhaka will have on-site veterinary teams, while 36,577 butchers—both professional and non-professional—have received training on hygienic slaughtering and skinning.  Authorities are promoting mechanised slaughter and encouraging compliance with the Animal Welfare Act 2019.  Silent Walls, Absent Healers: 46 health centres deserted in Sunamganj Efforts are also underway to ensure efficient waste management during the festival, with city corporations tasked to maintain cleanliness in and around cattle markets. As the country prepares for Eid-ul-Azha, the shift from import reliance to domestic strength is being hailed by stakeholders as a major achievement—one that reflects years of investment and adaptation by both the government and the people.  

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akter on Friday said that the Department of Livestock will deploy mobile veterinary clinics at the district level in cattle markets during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha. “Veterinary surgeons will be present there to provide treatment,” said the adviser at a meeting with divisional fisheries and livestock officials at Rajshahi. She also stressed the need for limited medical services for humans in these markets. “We must ensure that those involved in the buying and selling of cattle and goats can travel safely,” she said. Railway urges not to setup cattle markets near tracks without prior approval Addressing concerns over illegal cross-border cattle smuggling, Farida said the ministry has already held a meeting to tighten vigilance. “Some dishonest traders will try to bring in foreign products [cattle]. This must be stopped,” she warned. She added that the home ministry has directed the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and River Police to strictly monitor the borders during the Eid season. Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Mohammad Ejaz, Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB) Director General Faruk Wasif, Rajshahi Divisional Livestock Department Director Ananda Kumar Adhikari, Rajshahi Divisional Fisheries Department Director Md. Saifuddin Yahia, and other officials at various levels were present.

The Bangladesh Railway authorities urged all concerned to refrain from setting up cattle markets on or near railway tracks, land without prior approval ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. In a letter sent to the deputy commissioners of districts where such temporary markets are likely to be set up, the Railways ministry requested necessary steps to prevent unauthorised use of railway property, according to a press release issued on Friday. The letter said  cattle markets are often set up adjacent to railway tracks or on railway-owned land without adequate safety measures. This poses serious risks to public safety and train operations, potentially disrupting railway schedules during the Eid rush — an outcome the authorities emphasised must be avoided. The districts identified as having a higher likelihood of such temporary cattle markets include Moulvibazar, Bogura, Dinajpur, Gopalganj, Faridpur, Rajbari, Kushtia and Chuadanga. The letter further stated that the government is committed to protecting public property and ensuring safety. DNCC to collaborate with volunteers for conservation, greening of 33 canals in Dhaka It reiterated the government's firm stance against unauthorised cattle markets on or near railway land. It said if local circumstances necessitate setting up such markets near railway lines, several conditions must be strictly adhered to, said the release. Prior approval from the railway authorities is mandatory, lessees managing the markets must erect strong fencing using bamboo or other suitable materials at a safe distance from the railway tracks and this fencing must be installed in a manner that ensures unhindered train movement and public safety. Besides, local police and railway officials must coordinate under the supervision of the district administration to ensure safe train operations and the smooth movement of the public.

With barely three-four days left for Eid-ul-Azha, cattle farmer Azizul Haque is a bit worried. The reason -- he has not been able to fatten naturally the four bulls he has been rearing since last October. Like him, many small-time farmers in Bangladesh have been struggling to feed their cattle properly since March 2022 as retail inflation has taken a toll on fodder. And most of them are yet to fix a good asking price for the sacrificial animals. These farmers say that the prices of staple cattle feeds such as wheat bran, rice bran, oil cake, maize, Indian peas and molasses have all increased two to three-fold of late. Read: Huge crowd at Chuadanga cattle markets; Sales still low "I may not be able to cash on the growing demand for meat this Eid. This is because I could not spend much on fodder to naturally fatten my bulls ahead of Eid. Retail inflation is really pinching," says Azizul. Take for instance, maize. Its price has doubled in the past one year -- from Tk 17-18 per kg in 2021 to Tk 33-34 per kg this year. Similarly, wheat bran now costs Tk 60 a kg, up by 100% from last year's price. Khail (oil cake) was available for Tk 32 a kg and Indian peas for Tk 34-36 per kg in 2021. This year, Khail is being sold at Tk 50 per kg and Indian pea at Tk 55-60 per kg.

Bangladesh Bank (BB) has instructed banks to keep open their  branches and sub-branches in nearby areas of cattle markets in Dhaka north and south city corporations on Friday and Saturday. The central bank set banking hours in these areas from 10.00 am to 8.00 pm on July 8 and 9 (Friday & Saturday) to facilitate the sacrificial animals’ traders. The Banking Regulations and Policy Department (BRPD) of BB on Tuesday issued a circular in this regard and sent to the top executives of all the scheduled banks to take necessary measures. Read: BB re-fixes mobile financial service money transaction limit The circular stated that cattle traders are arriving in the capital from different parts of the country and banks have to arrange secured transfers of their money through banking service. The BB also instructed banks to set bank booths at the cattle markets to secure transactions of money. Banks are asked to maintain Covid-19 health guidelines at  the bank booths as infections are increasing, the circular stated.

With only five days remaining for Eid-ul-Azha, sales of sacrificial animals at Chuadanga cattle markets are yet to gain momentum. Buyers, traders and middlemen from different parts of the country and neighboring districts are thronging different cattle markets of the town and upazilas but the sellers are yet to see expected number of buyers. Read: No cattle market on roads and highways: Minister The three largest makeshift  markets of sacrificial animals in the district are Shialmari cattle market in Jibonnagar upazila, Dugdugi of Damurhuda upazila and Alamdanga cattle market. During a recent visit the UNB correspondent found  huge crowd at Shialmari cattle market that triggered  traffic jam on Jibonnagar-Chuadanga regional highway in front of the market. Some policemen were seen working to reduce traffic congestion. Md Chanchal, who is in-charge of hat management, said people are being continuously asked to comply with hygiene rules to prevent spread of Covid but most of them are ignoring the instruction.

No one without a mask will be allowed to enter the cattle markets to be set up ahead of Eid-ul-Azha across the country, said Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Tuesday. This year, a total of 4,407 eid cattle markets will be set up  where everyone must follow Covid health guidelines, he said while talking to reporters after a meeting over law and order situation ahead of the religious festival. Ten cattle markets will be set up in Dhaka North City Corporation while 12 in Dhaka South city Corporation, said Asaduzzaman. Read: Special cattle train on C'ganj-Dhaka route ahead of Eid Additional law enforcement force will be deployed in the cattle markets to provide security to traders and buyers, he said. The agencies will also help traders safe transfer of their cash. Noting that there will be no cattle markets on the roads and highways, Asaduzzaman said no cattle-laden vehicles can be taken to any market against the traders' will. Referring to the rawhides of sacrificial animals, the minister said strict surveillance will be enforced to prevent its smuggling abroad. The commerce Ministry will fix the price of rawhides.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Bangladesh Scouts have teamed up to launch a Covid-19 awareness campaign at the major cattle markets in the country. Under the campaign, Rover Scouts dressed in PPE will distribute masks among the buyers flocking to markets, with Eid-ul-Azha just around the corner. The two-day campaign is being carried out targeting the crunch time starting Monday. The campaign will be carried out at Gabtoli, Aftabnagar and Dhupkhola cattle markets in Dhaka and two major markets of every division. Booths will also be set up at the markets from where Covid-19 precautionary messaging will be broadcast using loud hailers. "The government has lifted the lockdown so people can celebrate the festival." Bangladesh Scouts President Md Abul Kalam Azad said. "However, the pandemic is hard to fight if people are not careful about their safety." Echoing him, UNDP Resident Representative Sudipto Mukerjee said, "Only wearing masks properly, maintaining sufficient physical distance and practising frequent hand sanitisation, and all of that done together will help us enjoy Eid responsibly while keeping ourselves and everyone else safe. We certainly owe this to ourselves and everyone else."

Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Atiqul Islam on Saturday said strict legal action would be taken if the hygiene rules and regulations were not followed properly at the sacrificial animal markets. The mayor issued the warning while addressing a meeting of the monitoring team at Gulshan Nagar Bhaban. The 15-member team was formed to scrutinize whether lease conditions for nine cattle markets, including the permanent one, were followed properly. The cattle hats have been set up on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. Also read: Mask-wearing campaign kicks off at cattle markets in 2 cities The team, headed by Councilor of Ward No-19  Md. Mofizur Rahman, comprises 13 Ward councillors and two veterinary officers. The cattle hats have been set up on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. He said each animal market under Dhaka North City Corporation has a mobile court led by one Executive Magistrate in charge of DNCC to ensure compliance with the health rules and regulations  He said Shakti Foundation has provided 200 trained volunteers, 200 vests and a sufficient number of masks at each market. In addition, the leaseholders have provided hand sanitizers and other health care items in all the cattle markets. Also read: 10 cattle markets to be set up maintaining health rules: DNCC Mayor The mayor said that in order to maintain proper social distance in the cattle markets, both buyers and sellers have to wear masks and use hand sanitizers. He said that "DNCC Digital Hat-2021" has been organized to prevent the spread of coronavirus by avoiding physical presence at the cattle markets. Among others, DNCC Executive Officer Md Selim Reza and Deputy Executive Director of Shakti Foundation Imran Ahmed were present at the meeting.