Dhaka: Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid announced today that the country has an adequate supply of livestock for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, negating the need to import sacrificial animals from abroad. Speaking at a press conference held at the Secretariat, Rashid highlighted the preparedness of over 12.4 million cattle, buffaloes, goats, and sheep for sacrifice across the country this year.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister elaborated on the government’s decision to prohibit the import of cattle from neighboring countries, as was the case last year. This policy has led to the suspension of leases for border cattle markets in advance. Addressing market logistics, Rashid stated that more than 3,600 cattle markets will be operational nationwide for Eid-ul-Azha. In Dhaka alone, 27 markets will be set up, with 16 under the North City Corporation and 11 under the South City Corporation. The minister emphasized that these markets will be located only at designated sites and will not disrupt traffic movement.
Rashid also mentioned that the government continues to ban the import of injections used for artificial fattening of cattle. This restriction, implemented in previous years, will remain in effect. On the subject of sales procedures, he clarified that no tax will be applied to online cattle trading. However, buyers purchasing animals directly from physical markets will be subject to applicable market fees.
To safeguard animal health, veterinary medical teams from the Department of Livestock will be stationed at each market to provide immediate treatment for any ill animals. The minister further assured that law enforcement agencies have been directed to prevent extortion during the transportation of sacrificial animals by both road and waterways.
The press conference was attended by State Minister Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Secretary Delwar Hossain, and other officials from the ministry.