Livestock Ministry moves to curb smuggled animals before Eid-ul-Adha
Fisheries and Livestock State Minister Sultan Salauddin Tuku has called on the public to purchase sacrificial animals exclusively from legal domestic sources, cautioning against purchasing smuggled livestock ahead of Eid-ul-Adha.
He made these remarks to journalists following an inspection of the Gabtoli cattle market in Dhaka.
"Religious experts and muftis are better positioned to clarify the permissibility of sacrificing illegally imported or smuggled animals. However, I encourage all to procure animals from legal sources to ensure that Qurbani is conducted in accordance with Shariah principles," the state minister said.
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Highlighting the spiritual significance of Eid-ul-Adha, Tuku emphasised that Qurbani is performed solely to seek the satisfaction of Almighty Allah, urging the public to remain vigilant to ensure that sacrifices are carried out correctly and in halal manner.
He noted that medical centres have been established at cattle markets to provide veterinary services, with arrangements in place for immediate treatment of sick animals, health screenings, and the supply of essential medicines.
Officials and veterinarians from the Department of Livestock Services are working around the clock at cattle markets to swiftly address any animal health concerns, he added.
Tuku reported that approximately 1.23 crore sacrificial animals are available nationwide this year, against an estimated demand of 1.01 crore, resulting in a surplus of around 22 lakh animals.
Given the surplus, there is no requirement to import cattle from abroad, he stated.
"To safeguard the interests of local farmers, border surveillance has been intensified. In coordination with law enforcement agencies, strict measures have been implemented to prevent the illegal entry of livestock," the state minister said.
He further stated that the government remains vigilant to prevent irregularities in market management, ensure the safety of buyers and sellers, and deter fraudulent activities.
Special arrangements and necessary equipment have been deployed to detect counterfeit currency, with law enforcement personnel present on-site, he added.
Director General of the Department of Livestock Services Md Shahzaman Khan, Director Dr Md Boyzar Rahman, and other senior officials of the ministry and department were present.
