United News of Bangladesh

Police recovered three sacrificial cattle worth Tk 8.6 lakh after they were looted in Brahmanbaria while being transported from Sylhet to Chattogram ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. Deputy Commissioner (Media and Public Relations) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police NM Nasiruddin confirmed the matter on Sunday morning. According to Bangshal Police Station in the capital, the cattle were being transported in a pickup van from Bishwanath upazila in Sylhet to Chattogram on May 20. Around 3:00am the following day, when the vehicle reached Dhanashi in Nabinagar upazila of Brahmanbaria, a group of 3-4 miscreants intercepted the vehicle and snatched the cattle. Following the incident, a complaint was lodged with Nabinagar Police Station. Acting on a tip-off, a team from Bangshal Police Station conducted a raid on a meat shop on Aga Sadek Road in the capital on Saturday and recovered the three stolen cattle. The recovered cattle were later handed over to their rightful owner.

Cattle markets in Chandpur are bustling with activity ahead of Eid-ul-Azha as farmers prepare more than 66,000 sacrificial animals for sale, hoping to secure fair prices during the peak trading season. Despite strong preparations, many farmers remain concerned about market volatility and the possible influx of cattle from a neighboring country, which they fear could affect prices. According to the Department of Livestock Services, Chandpur district currently has 66,098 sacrificial animals ready for sale against an estimated demand of around 75,000, leaving a shortfall of about 9,000animals. Officials, however, said the gap would likely be filled by small-scale seasonal traders and farmers from remote char areas and neighboring districts. District Livestock Officer Dr Jyotirmoy Bhowmik said there would be no shortage of sacrificial animals this year. “We have sufficient local production and the remaining demand will be met by marginal farmers and seasonal traders. We expect a smooth supply during Eid,” he told UNB. The ready animals include 27,346 bulls, 8,366 oxen, 10,571 cows, 23 buffaloes, 19,346 goats and 446 sheep. Visits to major cattle markets including Sofarmali, Bagadi Chourasta, Puranbazar and Bakila in Haziganj revealed that cattle trade have already gained momentum. Buyers said cattle prices this year are slightly higher than last year. “Prices have increased compared to previous years, especially for healthy local bulls,” said Abu Sayeed, a cattle buyer in Chandpur town. Traders were seen bringing truckloads of cattle from Faridpur and northern districts to local markets, although buyers appeared to prefer locally raised cattle. According to livestock officials, around 4,155 entrepreneurs — mostly young farmers — are involved in raising sacrificial animals across Chandpur’s eight upazilas. Nearly 300 temporary and permanent cattle markets have been set up in the district ahead of Eid. Many farmers said they purchased young bulls several months ago and raised them using locally produced feed such as grass, straw, oil cake and bran. While small and medium-sized cattle are mainly sold in local markets, larger bulls are increasingly marketed online. During a visit at several farms, workers were seen caring for cattle that are expected to be sold within the next week. Despite their preparations, many farmers expressed anxiety over market prices. “If Indian cattle do not enter the market in large numbers, we hope to get good prices this year,” said farmer Khaled Khan from Nanupur village in Sadar upazila. Khaled, who has been involved in cattle farming for two decades, said he has prepared several bulls for Eid, with prices ranging between Tk 90,000 and Tk 1.2 lakh. Another farmer, Ahmed Ali from Ghashipur village, said he has 32 cattle in his farm including seven bulls raised entirely on local feed. Some farmers are targeting high-end buyers with premium bulls. Nargis Begum of Hamankardi village in Maishadi union has prepared three large bulls aged between three and five years. Among them is a bull named “Raja Babu,” for which she is seeking Tk 12 lakh. Another bull, “Hamankardi King,” is priced at Tk 10 lakh, while the smallest one is expected to sell for around Tk 5 lakh. Farm worker Md Moslem said the animals were raised naturally without artificial fattening methods. “We fed them local grass, straw and bran. We are taking special care of them every day,” he said. Many buyers expressed more interest in locally farmed cattle, citing concerns about chemical fattening practices sometimes used by outside traders. “People in the city now prefer cattle raised by local farmers because they trust the quality more,” said Abdul Barek, a resident of Chandpur town. To ensure smooth trading during Eid, the livestock department officials said mobile teams, including veterinary surgeons, will monitor cattle markets, resolve disputes and check counterfeit currency duringtransactions.

With cattle markets becoming increasingly crowded ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, experts at Bangladesh Agricultural University urged buyers and traders to follow scientific guidelines when purchasing sacrificial animals and preserving meat. They  warned against artificially fattened cattle, disease transmission risks and improper storage practices. In separate interviews with UNB, three professors from the university highlighted key indicators of unhealthy cattle, potential public health threats at livestock markets and the correct method of preserving meat to maintain its quality and nutritional value. How to identify artificially fattened cattle Prof Dr Mohammad Alam Mia of BAU’s Department of Physiology said cattle that have been artificially fattened using steroids, growth hormones or harmful drugs often display several visible signs. Such animals typically have dry noses, swollen and flabby bodies caused by excessive fluid retention, and difficulty standing or walking. They become exhausted after minimal movement and often breathe rapidly. When pressure is applied to the skin, it remains depressed for some time before returning to normal. “The thigh muscles of these cattle are unusually soft and their bones tend to be weaker, increasing the risk of fractures,” he said. He added that artificially fattened cattle usually show poor appetite, do not ruminate properly and may produce excessive saliva or foam around the mouth. After travelling long distances to markets, they often become fatigued quickly and are reluctant to stand once seated, he said. Dr Alam said healthy cattle can be naturally fattened within three to six months through balanced nutrition, regular deworming, vitamin and mineral supplementation and proper farm management. He advised buyers to assess not only an animal’s size but also its behaviour, breathing pattern, nasal condition and mobility before making a purchase. If any abnormalities are suspected, they should seek advice from livestock officers or veterinary professionals, he added. Disease risks at cattle markets Prof Dr Md Amimul Ehsan of BAU’s Department of Medicine said  livestock markets could facilitate the spread of serious diseases, including anthrax and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). He said anthrax cases has recently been detected in Rangpur and Gaibandha, with some infected individuals developing skin lesions and eye swelling after exposure to affected animals. “Humans can contract anthrax through contact with infected blood, meat or other body tissues,” he said, stressing the importance of routine vaccination programmes and veterinary health screening at market entry points. He said anthrax-infected animals often die suddenly before showing symptoms. In symptomatic cases, body temperature may rise to 104–105 degrees Fahrenheit. After death, dark, tar-like blood may ooze from the nose, mouth and anus. Exposure to air can cause the bacteria to form spores capable of surviving in the environment for long periods, he added. Living animals may also exhibit black lesions or blisters on the tongue, nose or throat, along with unusual agitation or lethargy. Dr Ehsan said FMD poses another significant concern because the virus can spread through the air over distances of up to 15 kilometres. “A single infected animal transported from Dinajpur or Chattogram to Dhaka could potentially spread the virus along the route and within surrounding market areas,” he said. Unsold animals returning from markets may also carry infections back to their home districts, threatening healthy livestock populations, he warned. The professor urged farmers not to bring sick animals to markets until they have fully recovered following treatment. Suggestions for cattle market visitors He also advised visitors to cover any cuts or wounds before entering livestock markets, as pathogens such as anthrax bacteria and tetanus-causing organisms can enter through broken skin. Proper handwashing with soap or sanitiser after contact with animals and safe disposal of animal waste and blood are also essential preventive measures, he added. Choosing quality cattle and preserving meat properly Prof Dr Md Abul Kalam Azad of BAU’s Department of Animal Science said good-quality beef cattle should have evenly distributed muscle and a smooth body structure. Excessive muscle accumulation in the thighs or grape-like clusters of tissue may indicate poorer meat quality, he said. An unusually swollen dewlap — the loose skin hanging beneath the neck — could also signal underlying health problems. Dr Azad noted that cattle weighing more than 350 kilograms generally contain higher levels of fat and saturated fat, which may increase health risks for consumers. For quality meat, he recommended indigenous two-tooth cattle weighing between 200 and 250 kilograms, typically priced between Tk 90,000 and Tk 130,000. “If the teeth cannot be examined, a thick horn base can serve as an indicator that the animal is mature and suitable for purchase,” he said. On meat preservation, Dr Azad cautioned against placing freshly slaughtered meat directly into deep freezers at minus 18 degrees Celsius. He explained that immediately after slaughter, meat temperature remains around 40 degrees Celsius and requires a gradual cooling process. The temperature takes roughly 16 hours to fall to 10–15 degrees Celsius, followed by an additional eight hours during which proteins break down into amino acids through natural biochemical processes. “If this process is interrupted, the meat may lose quality and nutritional value. Direct freezing can damage the microstructure of the meat, causing it to become dry and fibrous after thawing,” he said. To ensure optimum quality, he recommended dividing meat into one- to two-kilogram portions and storing it in a refrigerator at around 4 degrees Celsius for 24 to 48 hours before transferring it to a deep freezer. Following this method, meat can retain its quality for six months to one year, he said. Dr Azad also suggested waiting at least three days after slaughter before cooking beef to achieve its best flavour and aroma.  

A farm at Lakkhinagar village in Sadar South upazila of Cumilla has turned into a mini zoo, drawing large crowds every day, after a camel was brought there along with various domestic and exotic animals. Rafi Agro Farm, established in 2017 beside a village field, has recently become a local attraction as a camel – known as the “ship of the desert”— became the main centre of attention. Visitors gather at the farm to see the camel, take photographs and observe other animals kept there. The camel, standing over 10 feet tall, is kept outside the farm premises during the day, where staff clean and care for it by spraying water. Locals said they had only seen camels in films before, making the close encounter a rare experience. “We have never seen a camel in Cumilla before. It feels good to see and touch it up close,” said one of the visitors. Farm caretaker Sumon Islam said the camel is calm in nature and is fed corn, wheat and grass. It drinks around 40 litres of water a day. He added that more than a hundred visitors arrive daily to see the animal. Farm owner Jewel Ahmed said the camel was brought from Rajasthan and weighs over 900 kg. He said the animal has been priced at Tk 32 lakh and has already attracted several potential buyers. If not sold, it may be taken to a cattle market, he added. Apart from the camel, the farm houses over a hundred cattle, including local and foreign breeds, as well as goats and buffaloes. Jewel Ahmed also said though the farm was established in 2017, no government veterinary officer had visited the facility so far. Cumilla District Livestock Officer Mohammad Shamsul Alam said veterinary services are provided regularly and necessary action will be taken if any written complaint is received regarding service gaps.

With Eid-ul-Azha just six days away, cattle markets across Naogaon have turned busy with thousands of sacrificial animals arriving every day. But behind the festive preparations, farmers are facing growing anxiety over rising production costs and fears of illegal cattle influx from India through the border. This year, farmers in the district have prepared nearly twice the number of animals needed to meet local demand. According to the District Livestock Department, around 38,909 small and large farmers across 11 upazilas have reared nearly 8 lakh cows, buffaloes, goats and sheep for Eid. The district’s demand for sacrificial animals is estimated at 3.87 lakh, while more than 4.10 lakh surplus cattle are expected to be supplied to other districts across the country. Large cattle markets, including Radhakanta Haat in Naogaon Sadar, Chaubaria Haat and Sati Haat in Manda, Ahsanganj Haat in Atrai, Chakgori Haat and Mataji Haat in Mahadevpur, Najipur Haat in Patnitala and Kola Haat in Badalgachi are now witnessing heavy trading. Traders said around 25,000 to 30,000 animals are being brought at these markets daily. On farms across the district, owners and workers remain busy feeding, bathing and caring for the animals. Farmers said they have focused on natural fattening methods this year, avoiding harmful chemicals to attract buyers seeking healthy sacrificial cattle. However, many farmers fear that soaring feed prices may cut into their profits. Ekramul Hasan, a farmer from the Barshail area of Naogaon Sadar upazila, said he has prepared 106 cows, mostly of the Shahiwal breed, along with 31 goats for Eid. “Each cow costs between Tk 1.5 lakh and Tk 4 lakh. We feed them flour, husk, oilcake, straw and grass three times a day. But feed prices are rising constantly, and we are worried about getting fair prices in the market,” he said. Another farmer, Ujjal Hossain, said the cost of grain feed has increased sharply in recent months. “A 50-kg bag that used to cost Tk 1,800 now costs Tk 2,000. Another type of feed that was Tk 1,700 is now Tk 2,200. Feed that once cost Tk 800 is now selling for Tk 1,300 per bag,” he said. “If we fail to get fair prices in the market, small farmers like us will suffer losses,” Ujjal added. Saifur Rahman, another cattle farmer from the RG Naogaon area, said labour costs and overall farm expenses have also increased significantly this year. “Every year, we prepare 20 to 30 cows for Eid. This year, the cost of raising cattle has become very high due to expensive feed and labour costs,” he said. Farmers in the border district are also worried about the possibility of Indian cattle entering Bangladesh illegally ahead of Eid, fearing it could affect local market prices. “Naogaon is a border district, so there is always concern about Indian cattle entering through illegal routes. If that happens, local farmers will suffer financially,” Saifur said, urging the administration to strengthen border monitoring. Dr Gourango Kumar Talukder, Training Officer of the District Livestock Department, said the department has been providing farmers with technical advice and veterinary services to reduce production costs and encourage natural cattle fattening methods. “If healthy cattle are produced naturally, buyers will show more interest and farmers will benefit,” he said. Gourango also said the department will coordinate with the administration and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to prevent illegal cattle entry of cattle through the border. Major Shafiq, acting commanding officer of Naogaon 16 BGB Battalion, said strict security measures have already been taken along the district’s border. “Thirty-six border outposts (BOPs) across the nearly 130-kilometre border area have been instructed to maintain round-the-clock patrols and strengthen surveillance,” he said over the phone, expressing hope that there will be no illegal entry of cattle from India into Naogaon ahead of Eid.

The crescent moon of the Islamic month of Zilhajj was sighted in Bangladesh sky on Monday, confirming that the country will celebrate Eid-ul-Azha on May 28. The National Moon Sighting Committee made the announcement following a meeting held at the conference hall of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in the evening. The meeting was chaired by Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain (Kaikobad). With this official sighting, the Islamic month of Zilhajj in the Hijri year 1446 has begun, setting the date for Eid-ul-Azha, one of the most significant religious festivals for Muslims worldwide. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia announced the sighting of the Zilhajj moon on Sunday, setting May 27 as Eid day. Eid-ul-Azha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to the Almighty Allah. The festival is marked by special prayers, animal sacrifices and the distribution of meat to the poor and needy.

With Eid-ul-Azha approaching, cattle farms in Jhalakathi districts are bustling with activity as farmers intensify preparations to supply sacrificial animals to local markets. Farmers are now busy rearing and fattening cattle, hoping to secure good prices during the Eid season, one of the most important periods for the livestock sector. From early morning to evening, farm workers are seen feeding cattle nutritious diets and ensuring proper care to keep the animals healthy and market-ready.  Many farms have already begun taking advance orders from buyers ahead of the festival. Farmers, however, expressed concern over the rising prices of cattle feed, saying the increasing production cost may affect their profit margins this year. They also urged the authorities to stop the entry of illegal Indian cattle into local markets, claiming that unchecked inflow of foreign cattle often causes local farmers to incur losses during Eid sales. Various breeds of cattle, including indigenous, Australian and Holstein varieties, are being reared at farms across the district.  Farmers said they are using hay, green grass and balanced feed to ensure proper growth of the animals. Dr Nirod Baran Joydhar, District Livestock Officer,  said farmers are being provided with technical support and guidance to rear livestock in a safe and natural way without using harmful substances. He said the district’s demand for sacrificial animals during Eid-ul-Azha can be fully met through local production this year. District livestock officials said Jhalakathi will require around 30,234 sacrificial animals for Eid, while some 30,588 cattle are currently being prepared at nearly 1,500 farms across the district. They expressed optimism that local farmers will be able to meet the entire demand for sacrificial animals during the festival season.

Saudi Arabia has declared Monday, May 18, as the first day of Dhul Hijjah after the crescent moon was sighted in the Kingdom, paving the way for key Islamic observances including Arafah Day and Eid-ul-Azha. According to the announcement, Arafah Day — considered the most significant day of the Hajj pilgrimage and one of great spiritual importance for Muslims worldwide — will be observed on Tuesday, May 26, corresponding to the 9th of Dhul Hijjah. Eid-ul-Azha will begin the following day, Wednesday, May 27, marking the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. Several countries have already confirmed the dates of the Islamic festival. Malaysia and Indonesia announced on Sunday evening that Dhul Hijjah will commence on May 18 and Eid-ul-Azha will fall on May 27. Tunisia was the first country to officially declare that Dhul Hijjah would start on Monday, May 18, with Eid-ul-Azha to be celebrated on Wednesday, May 27. Turkey, which follows astronomical calendar calculations instead of moon sighting, also confirmed May 18 as the first day of Dhul Hijjah, placing Eid-ul-Azha on May 27. Source : Khaleej Times

Cattle farmers and householders in Chapainawabganj are busy taking care of sacrificial animals ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, with more than 2 lakh animals prepared in the district this year. According to the District Livestock Department, 226,050 animals, including cows, goats, sheep and buffaloes, have been prepared for sacrifice. Against a local demand of 167,020 animals, the district has a surplus of 58,848. Visits to different areas of the district showed that farmers are providing intensive care to animals at farms and homes. Farmers said they raise the animals naturally with nutritious feed, without using steroids or harmful substances. However, many expressed concerns over rising production costs and profit uncertainty due to increased animal feed prices.

Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid on Thursday said there is no shortage of sacrificial animals in the country. “So, the sacrifice (Qurbani) will be performed with animals reared by local farmers,” he said while exchanging views with officials at the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) auditorium in Savar. The minister said more than one crore sacrificial animals have been prepared to meet the country’s demand.  He said the supply of cattle, goats and sheep is higher than the required number for Eid, meaning there will be no need to import animals from abroad this year. He also said strict instructions have been issued to law enforcement agencies to prevent the illegal entry of livestock through border. People in border areas have also been warned to ensure that no animals are smuggled into the country. Emphasising sustainable livestock development, the minister said efforts are underway to ensure low-cost cattle rearing and to increase the production of improved grass varieties. “I came to BLRI today to review the progress of ongoing research activities,” he said. Regarding rawhide prices, the minister said new rates have been fixed through discussions with traders, adding that a meeting was held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of the Commerce Minister with stakeholders present. He said the present government is agriculture-friendly and highlighted recent initiatives including farmer cards, family cards, and Tk 10,000 agricultural loan waivers, calling them farmer-oriented decisions.