Eid-ul-Adha cattle markets
As Eid-ul-Adha approaches, cattle markets across Bangladesh are bustling with activity, driven by a record supply of locally reared livestock and shifting buyer preferences, yet challenges like cross-border smuggling still cast a shadow
The Eid-ul-Adha cattle markets started from 25 May 2025, carrying with them not only the scent of livestock but also the hopes, anxieties, and expectations of buyers and sellers preparing for Eid-ul-Adha.
This year, nearly 5,000 cattle markets have been set up across the country. In Dhaka alone, more than 20 markets have been designated to cater to the surging demand for sacrificial animals.
These include long-standing centres like Gabtoli, the city's largest, alongside Meradia, Tejgaon, Hazaribagh, Kamalapur, Sarulia, Jatrabari Dania College, Dholaikhal Truck Terminal, and Amulia Model Town.
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Outside the capital, major markets like Sat Mile in Jessore, Rajshahi City haat, and Gobindashi in Tangail have become seasonal centres of economic exchange. Baishmouja in Brahmanbaria, notably, claims the title of the largest cattle market in the country.
But this year's story is not just about scale. It is about a subtle yet substantial transformation in Bangladesh's livestock landscape, one that is being fuelled by a quiet revolution in local animal husbandry.
Local supply
In recent years, rural households across the country have taken to cattle and goat rearing as both a livelihood and a cultural calling. The impact of this shift is visible in the numbers: in one division alone, eight districts now account for 43 lakh sacrificial animals, against a demand of just 26 lakh.
This surplus is no accident. From house-to-house rearing practices to small-scale farms, the sector has seen a consistent boost, driven by both government initiatives and grassroots entrepreneurship. The result? A record-breaking supply of native animals at this year's markets.
"People are more aware now," said Tanzimul Alam, a seller at Gabtoli cattle market. "They want healthy, hygienic animals, and they trust our locally reared ones more than the fattened or imported cattle."
Tanzimul has brought seven cows to sell this Eid and is hopeful. "We are asking for Tk32,000 per mon [40kg]. It is a better price than last year, and I am confident all of mine will be sold."
Across the country, a similar pattern plays out. Buyers are increasingly choosing native cattle over artificially fattened or imported ones, citing better quality and value.
Price of sacrifice
In the markets, pricing is everything. Sellers seek returns that reflect the months of labour, while buyers look for the best deals to fulfil their religious duty without breaking the bank.
Gabtoli remains the capital's heavyweight, trading more than 80,000 sacrificial animals in a week. While Tk32,000 per mon is the going rate here, the picture varies across the districts.
In Tangail's Gobindashi market, where activity peaks during Eid, prices are slightly lower. Rashedul, one of the market's administrators, noted that the price has been set at Tk28,000 per mon. "We have tried to ensure fairness. Before, there were syndicates that forced sellers to accept lower prices so they could profit more. We have changed that."
Further northwest, in Sirajganj and Pabna, rates have settled between Tk25,000 and Tk26,000. It is a trend that reflects both local supply strength and regional purchasing capacity.
In Cumilla, buyer Imran Hossain seemed content. "I paid Tk30,000 per mon—same as last year. I found a strong animal within budget, and I am satisfied."
For sellers like Al-Amin Sarker in Narayanganj, however, it is a more uncertain game. "We are asking Tk30,000 per mon. It is decent. But there is always that worry—will the buyers agree? Will I go home with profit or loss?"
In Rajshahi, cattle prices range from Tk30,000 to Tk80,000 depending on size, while goats and sheep are priced between Tk5,000 and Tk25,000. Alongside the City haat, temporary markets have been set up at Court Bazaar, Shaheb Bazaar Zero Point, Railway Station, Court Station, Naodapara Aam Chattar, and Kazla, giving residents multiple options.
Even in more modest towns, the dynamics are shifting. Siam Ahmed, head of security at Tangail's Elenga cattle market, said, "We have seen almost 30% more sellers this year. That is a positive sign. People are getting into livestock because they see it pays off."
Cross-border complication
Yet, amidst the healthy bustle of local trade, a shadow looms—one cast by the illegal influx of Indian cattle. Despite tightened border controls, these animals continue to find their way into Bangladesh's markets, undercutting local sellers.
Nur Izaz, who runs a small dairy farm, was frank about the threat. "The Indian cows are harming us. Sure, it is good for the buyers—they get cheaper options. But for us sellers, it is a nightmare. Our prices drop."
He pointed to the markets in border areas, where prices dip as low as Tk20,000 to Tk22,000 per mon. "That affects the entire market chain. Buyers start bargaining more, and our hard work gets devalued."
The sentiment is echoed by many in the trade. While there is appreciation for affordability, there is also concern about sustainability. If local farmers do not get fair returns, will they continue rearing cattle for future Eids?
The economy
Behind every cow or goat is a story—of a family who raised it with care, of a young boy hoping for a better Eid through a good sale, of a father haggling for a deal to perform Qurbani.
The markets are more than just transactional spaces; they are living organisms, pulsing with anticipation and nerves, joy and fatigue. Children follow their fathers through muddy lanes, pointing at bulls twice their size. Women from nearby homes come out to inspect goats, whispering about health and price. Sellers shout over loudspeakers, while buyers debate under sun-beaten tents.
And beneath it all runs a deep current of faith—the spiritual essence of sacrifice that brings people to these markets in the first place.
While this year's cattle market paints a largely optimistic picture for the local livestock industry, there are important takeaways and areas for improvement.
First, regulating cross-border smuggling remains crucial. As Izaz stressed, "We need stricter enforcement. Let the competition be fair. If buyers prefer Indian cattle, then let them come legally and with standards."
Second, local authorities should continue cracking down on market syndicates. Rashedul's comments in Gobindashi highlight what transparent administration can achieve: fairer pricing, better seller morale, and greater buyer trust.
Third, investment in veterinary services and public awareness campaigns can further promote the demand for healthy, native animals. As more people become conscious of hygiene and quality, locally reared cattle will naturally gain value.
Lastly, local market infrastructure—especially in rural areas—needs upgrading. Sanitation, security, and digital payment options can make these markets more accessible and efficient.
As Eid-ul-Adha draws near, the cattle markets will only grow busier. But beyond the braying animals and bustling crowds lies a deeper transformation—one where tradition meets trade, faith meets fairness, and sacrifice takes on an added layer of economic and communal meaning.
This year, Bangladesh's cattle markets do not just reflect a ritual; they reveal a country increasingly capable of sustaining its own needs—if only given the chance to do so fairly.
