22 lakh surplus sacrificial animals available
Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid has said Bangladesh has an adequate supply of sacrificial animals for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, with a surplus of more than 22 lakh animals against the estimated demand.
The minister made the remarks at a press briefing at the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock on Sunday (3 May).
The briefing was organised to present the demand assessment and supply situation of sacrificial animals, and to discuss their movement and transportation from remote areas ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.
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The minister said the potential demand for sacrificial animals this year has been estimated at 1,01,06,334, while 1,23,33,840 animals are available across the country.
This means there will be a surplus of around 22,27,506 animals, he said.
Of the available animals, 56,95,878 are cattle and buffaloes, 66,32,307 are goats and sheep, and 5,655 are other species.
The minister said more than 3,600 animal markets would be set up across the country.
In Dhaka, 27 markets have been identified, including 16 under Dhaka North City Corporation and 11 under Dhaka South City Corporation. Twenty veterinary medical teams will remain on duty at these markets.
He said the government would take a strict stance against extortion from trucks carrying sacrificial animals.
Law enforcement agencies will remain on duty round the clock to ensure security for markets, buyers and sellers, he added. Personnel will also be deployed in plain clothes where necessary.
The minister said a policy decision had been taken to keep livestock markets near the border closed to protect the interests of local farmers.
He said domestic farmers had suffered losses in the past due to the entry of foreign animals through some markets near the border. To prevent such a situation, initiatives have been taken not to set up markets in border areas.
The minister said sacrificial animals would also be sold online this year. No rent or profit will be charged for online sales, he added.
Arrangements have also been made to train professional and amateur butchers and workers on proper management of sacrificial animal hides to prevent waste.
State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Ministry Secretary Md Delwar Hossain, Department of Livestock Services Director General Md Shahzaman Khan, and senior officials of the ministry and the department were present at the press conference.
