Khulna: Cattle markets across Khulna city and 59 upazilas in Khulna Division have started gaining significant momentum just two days ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, though buyers noted that prices are somewhat higher than last year. The Khulna City Corporation (KCC) has authorized a makeshift cattle market at Zoragate, which officially opened on June 1 and has since drawn a growing number of livestock and buyers. Traders from across the division have been transporting cattle to this and other markets in the region.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, there's no shortage of cattle despite the absence of Indian livestock this year. Chowdhury Masud Mahmud, a trader from Kalia Upazila in Narail, mentioned at the Zoragate market today that cattle supply remains robust. Buyers reported that medium-sized cows are priced between Tk 1,00,000 and Tk 1,50,000, while goats are selling for Tk 20,000 to Tk 30,000, with rates noticeably higher than in 2024.
Prince, the owner of Saad and Shams Agro Farm in Daulatpur, shared his experience, stating, "I bought 26 cows from the Zoragate market. The smaller ones cost me Tk 62,000 each and my two largest oxen are priced at Tk 5-6 lakh." As of 9am today, the crowd at the Zoragate market was still relatively thin. However, KCC officials anticipate increased activity from the afternoon onward.
In 2024, the market saw the sale of 6,268 animals, including 3,982 cows, 2,162 goats, 122 sheep, and 2 buffaloes, generating Tk 2.26 crore in revenue for the city corporation. Due to the predominance of large-sized cows this year, prices remain high. Trader Panna Mia from Narail said, "I've brought five cows today and have eight more at home. Depending on how sales go, I'll decide whether to bring the rest here or take them to Dhaka."
KCC estate officer and market committee secretary Sheikh Salauddin noted that cattle continue to arrive daily from various upazilas. "City dwellers typically lack space to house animals, so most purchases happen just before Eid," he said. To support buyers, the market fee has been reduced from 5 percent to 4 percent.
According to the Divisional Livestock Office, 169 cattle markets have been set up in the division this year, 120 permanent and 49 temporary. The distribution by district is as follows: 22 in Khulna, 33 in Bagerhat, 15 in Satkhira, 19 in Jashore, 22 in Jhenaidah, 19 in Magura, 8 in Narail, 17 in Kushtia, 8 in Chuadanga, and 6 in Meherpur. A total of 14.35 lakh animals have been prepared for sacrifice this year, against a projected demand of 10.47 lakh, ensuring a surplus of 3.88 lakh animals.
Dr. Nurullah Md Ahsan, Director of the Divisional Livestock Services, reported that over 500 animals have already received veterinary care from 155 mobile medical teams. These teams will continue operating throughout the Eid period. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have implemented tight security measures across cattle markets, highways, river terminals, and transport hubs. Surveillance systems, counterfeit currency detectors, and banking booths have been set up to ensure safe and fair transactions.
Khulna Divisional Commissioner and KCC Administrator Md Firoz Sarkar stated that authorities are cracking down on criminal groups such as snatchers, extortionists, and scam gangs. Additionally, a special traffic management system has been implemented to ease congestion in and around major markets.