Poor sales, inadequate supply mark start-up of cattle mkts

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IBBL Audit Committee Chairman Kazi Harun-ar-Rashed inaugurating as the chief guest the bank's 199th branch at Janata Market, Sundarganj in Gaibandha district Sunday. Managing Director Fariduddin Ahmed is also seen.

Jasim Uddin Haroon
Sales of sacrificial animals at the city's makeshift and permanent markets have started amid inadequate supply with the Eid-ul-Azha festival only four days away.
The prices of the animals are higher than that of the previous year mainly due to high prices of cow fodders, which is in short supply, the traders said.
They said there is no supply of Indian cattle in the market this year as the neighbouring country has tightened border security after recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai.
"We have taken 'Haseel' (toll) on sale of only 41 cattle Friday. This is poor sale. This year, the number of cows is fewer," Manik Sardar, who has taken lease of Golapbagh field for the cattle market, told the FE.
He, however, hinted that the sales might pick up Sunday next adding: "The number of sacrificial animals, including goat and sheep, will rise by Friday night and Saturday.
Afzalur Rahman, a senior trader at the Golapbagh area told the FE that he had sold only three cows out of 47 brought from Bogra.
"Customers are coming and asking prices only, but there is sharp gap between my prices and their offers," said Khaleque, a trader of Bhanga in Faridpur, who brought 15 cows at Brothers Field, adjacent to Motijheel area.
Mizanur, a trader of Alamdanga, who brought 11 cows at Brothers Field, said he sold only two cows over the past two days.
"We expect the sales to pick up Sunday next," he added.
Traders, however, said they incurred losses last year as the demand for sacrificial animals was low following anti-corruption drives. "We may get better price this year as the occasion is coinciding with the general elections," said Kuddus of Kumarkhali in Kushtia, a trader at Gabtoly.
Traders are charging Tk 20,000 to Tk 23000 for a small size cow. While the price for medium size cow ranges between Tk 45000 and Tk 60000.
They are Tk 90,000 to Tk 120,000 for a big size sacrificial animal.
Although sales have already been started the makeshift markets are due to formally start operating from December 6, three days ahead of the Eid.
There are 11 makeshift cattle markets in the city along with permanent cow market at Gabtoly in the capital.
The DCC has approved 11 makeshift cattle markets. They are located at Jhigatala-Hajaribagh ground, Hosseni Dalan Road (from Chankarpool Chou Rasta to Bakshibazar traffic signal, Brothers Union Club field and its adjoining areas at Gopibahg), Meradia Bazar, West part of Taltola Bus Stand, Open space near Agargaon slum area, Outfall area at Golapbagh and Dhupkhola field, Armanitola, Uttara Azampur and Rahmatganj field.