Cattle market preparation begins

The holy Eid-ul-Azha, one of the biggest religious festivals of Muslims, will be celebrated across the country on Thursday (June 29). Centering the Eid-ul-Azha, a total of 19 cattle markets will be set up in two city corporation areas of the capital.

The leasing process has been finalized to set up 17 temporary and two permanent cattle markets in Dhaka Metropolitan. Among them, a total of 9 markets will be arranged in the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) area, including a permanent one while 10 haats will be set up in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).

Sources said that buying and selling in these cattle markets will begin from Sunday (June 25). Last-minute preparations are now underway in these cattle markets ahead of Eid al-Azha. Thousands of sacrificial animals will be brought in these locations. Police administration and city corporations have completed their arrangements already.

After visiting Aftab Nagar of Rampura and Meradia of Khilgaon cattle markets on Thursday (June 22), this reporter found that workers are passing a busy time to prepare the areas. Cattle sheds are being made using bamboo, polyethylene, and other materials. The entry gates are being decorated with lightings.

Traders started to bring sacrificial animals in the cattle markets from June 21. However, the number of buyers is few in the market. The sale of animals would be increased after formal announcement of the market, claimed traders.

Elias Hossain, a cattle trader told risingbd, “I brought 20 domestic cows in this market. I hope I will get better price here. Though the number of buyers is few now.

Awrangazeb Titu, leaseholder of Meradia Haat said, the sale of animals will officially start on June 25. We hope all preparation will be completed before that day.

Earlier on June 14, Fisheries and Livestock Minister SM Rezaul Karim said that the country has a stock of 21,41,594 surplus sacrificial animals than the demand this year.

The potential demand for sacrificial animals this year is 1,03,94,739 but there are 1,25,36,333 sacrificial cattle across the country.