United News of Bangladesh

Seasonal hide traders in Feni have suffered significant financial losses as thousands of sacrificial animal hides went unsold following Eid-ul-Azha, with many now decomposing in local markets due to a lack of buyers and inadequate preservation. Traders spent the Eid day night in makeshift markets, waiting in vain for buyers. As the hours passed and temperatures rose, many of the unsold hides began to rot, releasing a foul odour that forced some traders to abandon them altogether. Amid mounting pressure from locals over the overpowering stench, traders loaded the decomposing hides onto pickup vans and dumped them into nearby rivers. One such trader, Shukkur Ali, was arrested on Sunday night for disposing of hides in the Silonia River under Parshuram upazila. Acting on the instructions of Executive Magistrate and Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Arifur Rahman, a mobile court detained Shukkur from his residence in the Malipathar area of Chitholia Union. The arrest followed a viral video showing him discarding hides into the river, which sparked public outrage and prompted swift administrative action. Locals said Shukkur had collected hides on Eid day, purchasing each at rates between Tk 500 and 600. Qurbani Rawhides: Even price revisions fail to ease market woes  After transporting them to Parshuram Bazar, he reportedly became frustrated with the absence of buyers and dumped the hides in anger. “He was arrested for polluting the environment,” said Mohammad Nurul Hakim, officer-in-charge of Parshuram Police Station.  

The Bangladesh Bank has announced that some bank branches in Bangladesh will operate on Wednesday (June 11) and Thursday (June 12) during the Eid-ul-Azha public holidays. This move aims to ensure the smooth continuation of essential import and export transactions, especially for the pharmaceutical industry and other businesses, according to the central bank. The decision, made under the powers granted by Section 45 of the Bank Company Act, 1991, specifies that authorised dealer (AD) branches in Dhaka, Chattogram and other significant commercial areas will operate on these two days at the discretion of individual banks. The Bangladesh Bank's Department of Offsite Supervision (DOS) issued the directive. Banking hours for these designated branches will be from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, with transaction services available from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Rush at banks on last working day before Eid-ul-Azha holiday The central bank has also confirmed that employees working on these public holidays will receive allowances in accordance with relevant regulations. This instruction, deemed to be in the public interest, has been circulated to the managing directors and chief executive officers of all scheduled banks operating in the country.

This year's Eid-ul-Azha saw over 9.1 million animals, mostly cows and goats, sacrificed throughout Bangladesh, according to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. Data from the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), a government agency, shows that a total of 9,136,734 animals were sacrificed in 2025. Of these, 4,705,106 were cows and buffaloes, while 4,430,668 were goats and sheep. Other types of animals accounted for 960. The ministry says that this estimate was compiled based on reports from DLS officials at district and upazila levels. According to the DLS, a significant number of sacrificial animals—3,310,603—remained unsold this year. Qurbani Rawhides: Even price revisions fail to ease market woes  The department explained that this surplus is due to a higher production of sacrificial animals compared to market demand. It also noted that having unsold animals is not unusual, as these may be needed for upcoming social and religious events. An analysis of the DLS data reveals that the Sylhet division saw the fewest number of sacrifices, with 319,823 animals sacrificed. Mymensingh division followed with 383,162. The highest number of animals were sacrificed in Rajshahi division—2,324,971. This was followed by Dhaka division, where 2,185,040 animals were sacrificed. Chattogram division recorded 1,753,732 sacrifices, followed by Khulna with 804,224, Barishal with 400,783, and Rangpur with 964,999 animals.

Even though  the government has increased the prices of sacrificial animal hides this Eid-ul-Azha, seasonal traders claim they failed to sell at the official rates, while tannery owners argue that raising prices alone cannot revive the market without addressing its underlying issues. During the critical 72-hour post-Eid period, Dhaka’s Posta area in Lalbagh received the highest volume of rawhide. Seasonal traders from various parts of the city brought hides to the Posta warehouse for sale but expressed frustration at being unable to sell at the government-fixed rates. As per the new rates set by the Ministry of Commerce, salted cowhide in Dhaka was priced at Tk 60-65 per square foot, up from last year’s Tk 55-60. Outside Dhaka, the rate was Tk 55-60, compared to Tk 50-55 last year. Tanneries classify hides based on size: over 30 square feet is considered large, over 20 square feet is medium, and below 20 square feet is small. Based on the minimum rate, a large hide would fetch Tk 1,800, a medium one Tk 1,200, and a 15-square-foot small hide Tk 900. Rawhide fetches highest prices in a decade: Commerce Adviser But, seasonal traders reported selling hides for as low as Tk 500-800, significantly below government-fixed prices. Altaf Hossain, a seasonal trader, said, “On the afternoon of Eid day, I sold hides at Tk 600 each. Even after waiting for hours quoting Tk 900, no buyers came forward.” Milon Sarker echoed similar sentiments: “No one measured hides by square foot. We sold hides for an average of Tk 600-900 per piece. Hearing the government had raised the price, many madrasa and boarding houses bought hides at higher prices, which landed us in trouble.” Warehouse operators at Posta stated that this year’s market is worse than the previous one. “Buying at government-fixed rates would mean selling to tanneries at a loss,” one wholesaler explained. Tipu Sultan, Secretary General of Bangladesh Hide and Skin Merchants Association (BHSMA), said, “Many investors have withdrawn from the leather business this year. Several traders closely linked with the previous regime are now absconding, while others are struggling with liquidity. Traders who previously bought 10,000 pieces are now buying only 5,000.” He also mentioned that more than 30% of hides brought to Posta had already deteriorated due to lack of salt preservation. “Seasonal traders brought raw, unsalted hides. By the time they reached the market, many hides had spoiled or lost quality. Though the government set prices for salted hides, many ignored that directive,” he said. Tannery workers busy unloading, processing rawhides at Savar tannery estate Adilur Rahman, Adviser to the Ministry of Industries, said while visiting the Savar Leather Industrial City on the third day of Eid that the government had distributed 30,000 tonnes of salt to aid preservation.

Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin on Tuesday said rawhides this year have fetched the highest prices in the past decade, thanks to effective government steps, despite some spoilage by seasonal traders. "Some misinformation is being circulated. While it is true that a few hides were spoiled, this was due to errors made by temporary, seasonal traders. Even those damaged hides are being sold at relatively good prices," he told reporters after visiting the Chakbaidyanath Leather Market in Natore town. The adviser said the enhanced capacity in the leather sector, brought about by government initiatives, has contributed to improved pricing. “To stimulate the demand, the government has lifted the ban on the export of wet-blue leather,” he added. No mercy for corruption, says Home Adviser Bashir Uddin also called on the relevant authorities to ensure a more inclusive business environment. “We no longer wish to limit our trade to dependence on one or two countries. Our goal is to expand trade relations with India, Pakistan, China, Europe, and other global markets,” said the adviser. He urged the media to provide comprehensive coverage of the situation rather than focusing on isolated incidents or presenting partial narratives.

Nestled in the folds of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Khagrachhari transforms into a vibrant haven for holidaymakers each Eid-ul-Azha. As the festival brings with it the promise of rest and togetherness, the district's scenic beauty and serene landscapes offer the perfect setting for families and friends seeking a brief escape from the bustle of daily life. During the Eid holidays, Khagrachhari's charm seems more pronounced--its green hills lusher, waterfalls more inviting and the air touched with the vibration of festive excitement. Visitors, both local and from afar, roam through forest trails, pose for photos beside misty cascades and explore curving cave paths in search of thrill and mystery. The appeal of Alutila, with its enigmatic cave and panoramic views, has only grown stronger in recent years. Tourism restrictions lifted in parts of Bandarban nearly after a year Renovations and new attractions have added to its allure, making it a focal point for those wanting both adventure and Instagram-worthy vistas. Meanwhile, other locations like Risang Waterfall, Mayabini Lake and Devta Pukur offer tranquil retreats that seem untouched by time. Away from nature’s embrace, local markets buzz with the business of the season. Stalls brim with handmade crafts, woven garments and tribal jewellery, drawing tourists not just to the region’s sights, but also to its culture. The festive rush spills over into hotels and resorts, where the clinking of tea cups and the scent of freshly cooked meals set the rhythm of leisure. Eid Tourism: 'Monotony' outside Dhaka, 'confinement' within Khagrachhari, with its calm yet celebratory spirit, becomes more than just a destination during Eid, it turns into a meeting point of tradition and tourism, culture and nature. As visitors leave with bags full of souvenirs and hearts filled with memories, the district quietly readies itself for the next wave of wanderers, ever welcoming, ever unchanged in its beauty.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Mohammad Azaz on Monday said some 20,889 tonnes of sacrificial animal waste have been removed from the northern part of the capital in three days following Eid-ul-Azha. He shared the update during a press briefing held at Gulshan Nagar Bhaban, where he discussed the overall progress of waste management operations during the festival. According to Azaz, more than 4.5 lakh animals were sacrificed in Dhaka North this year, with cows being the highest in number, followed by goats, sheep, and buffaloes. No camels were sacrificed in the DNCC area this time. Although the number of sacrificial animals was lower compared to last year, the volume of waste was higher, he said.  The waste removal target of 20,000 tonnes was met by Monday afternoon, with household waste transported to Secondary Transfer Stations (STSs) before being moved to the landfill. 85% of sacrificial waste cleared by evening: DNCC Administrator Azaz said waste from city streets was prioritised first, while cleaning of makeshift cattle markets would begin from Tuesday. “There is no scope for negligence or irresponsibility when it comes to street waste. While there may be some delays in timing, there has been no lack of effort from the city corporation,” he added. He also expressed gratitude to the residents of Dhaka North for their cooperation, saying, “Those who performed sacrifices this year were far more conscious. Their support made it possible to remove such a large volume of waste so swiftly.” On the issue of complete waste removal, the DNCC administrator remarked that it is nearly impossible to ensure 100% waste removal in a city like Dhaka due to continuous waste generation.  Environment ministry urges people to ensure eco-friendly disposal of Qurbani waste He, however, affirmed that the DNCC remains committed to its efforts towards achieving full cleanliness.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said on Monday that the overall law and order situation across the country, including the capital, remained satisfactory during Eid-ul-Azha, except for a few isolated incidents. He made the remarks while speaking to reporters after visiting Jatrabari Police Station. “The law and order and security situation during Eid-ul-Azha was satisfactory. Except for a few isolated incidents, no major untoward events were reported in the capital or elsewhere,” he said. As part of his routine inspections to ensure public safety during Eid and the post-Eid holidays, the Home Adviser visited several police stations in Dhaka city. Home Adviser confident about Dhaka's security during Eid, says 500 patrol teams deployed At Jatrabari Police Station, he inspected the duty officer’s desk, the women and children’s desk and the lock-up facilities. He also enquired about the accommodation and food quality for police personnel, and exchanged Eid greetings with them.

Despite a government-mandated price hike, the rawhide market failed to meet expectations during Eid-ul-Azha, frustrating traders who say they were forced to sell below the official rates yet again. The Ministry of Commerce had increased the price of cowhide in Dhaka by Tk 5-10 per square foot, setting the official rate at Tk 60-65. But, ptraders said the market reality fell short. Most cowhides were sold at Tk 55-60 per square foot, with some deals made at even lower rates. “We collected cowhides from sacrificers for Tk 750, but ended up struggling to recover costs,” said Hefaz Ullah, a trader from Uttara.  “The best quality hides in this area fetched only Tk 800-820. We couldn’t sell for more," he said.  Sirza, a trader from Badda, echoed similar frustration. “There was no demand for rawhide. We couldn’t sell at a fair price. After paying for van rental and two workers, we were left with almost nothing. The entire day’s effort felt wasted.” Govt fixes rawhide prices ahead of Eid-ul-Azha In Khilkhet, trader Mizanur said the lack of fair pricing by tannery owners continues to discourage seasonal traders. “Had I known this would happen, I wouldn’t have paid so much initially. Tannery owners always undercut prices.”  

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman and Chief of the Navy Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan on Saturday met Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on the occasion of the holy Eid-ul-Azha. The Army and Navy chiefs along with their spouses met Prof Yunus respectively at the State Guest House Jamuna, said Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. They exchanged Eid greetings.