Dhaka: Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid announced that the government has implemented extensive measures to ensure the safety of traders, farmers, and buyers at cattle markets nationwide. Special machines have been installed to detect counterfeit currency and banking services have been set up in markets to allow sellers to deposit money safely and, if necessary, open new accounts to secure their earnings.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Aminur Rashid, who also serves as Minister for the Ministry of Agriculture, made these remarks while speaking to the media after visiting the sacrificial cattle market at Diabari in the capital. The minister reassured that there is an adequate supply of sacrificial animals in the country ahead of the upcoming holy Eid-ul-Azha. He emphasized that this year, the demand for sacrificial animals will be fully met with domestic cattle, as farmers and cattle rearers have produced a sufficient number of cows, goats, and buffaloes for Qurbani.
Addressing concerns about theft and dacoity at cattle markets, the minister stated that local administration, law enforcement agencies, and volunteer teams are working tirelessly to tackle these issues. Measures such as public announcements, monitoring, and instant assistance have been put in place to quickly locate and return lost animals to their owners.
Rashid also highlighted the government's efforts to prevent illegal cattle entry through border areas, with necessary instructions issued to border guards, local administration, and law enforcement agencies during an inter-ministerial meeting. He mentioned that future pricing of animals may become more transparent and fixed if the market adopts a system of selling cattle based on weight.
The minister dismissed the possibility of artificial syndicates forming in the markets due to the presence of thousands of buyers and sellers, asserting that cattle prices are determined by market competition and supply and demand dynamics. He assured that the government has deployed adequate manpower to maintain order, security, and smooth trading at cattle markets in the capital and across the country, with these efforts continuing until Eid.
Director General of the Department of Livestock Services Md Shahjaman Khan and senior officials were also present during the announcement.