Handlers carry a cow over Postogola Bridge on the Buriganga River in the capital after purchasing it from the Postogola sacrificial cattle market ahead of Eid-ul-Azha on Monday. — FE Photo by Shafiqul Alam Cattle markets across the capital witnessed a sharp rise in trading activity on Monday as Eid-ul-Azha approaches, with only two days left before the festival.
Despite heavy morning rain that caused temporary waterlogging and disrupted movement in several areas, buyers and sellers thronged the markets later in the day as the Eid holiday period began.
Traders said business remained slow in the morning due to the downpour, but transactions picked up significantly in the afternoon as weather improved.
Dhaka now hosts 27 designated cattle markets, including the permanent Gabtoli haat and temporary markets at Aftabnagar, Shahjahanpur and Tejgaon.
Market insiders said medium-sized cattle priced between Tk 100,000 and Tk 200,000 are dominating demand, driven by affordability among middle-income buyers and growing interest in shared sacrifices.
However, disagreements over prices persist between buyers and sellers.
Sellers blamed rising cattle feed and transport costs for price increases of Tk 10,000 to Tk 30,000 compared to last year.
"Last year I sold 12 cows at this market, but this year my costs have increased by Tk 10,000 to Tk 15,000 per animal," said Nizam Uddin, a trader at Shahjahanpur cattle market.
He added that feeding a large cow now costs nearly Tk 1,000 per day, pushing up overall prices.
Buyers, however, alleged that many traders are charging excessive rates.
"The prices are much higher than expected. A cow worth Tk 100,000 is being quoted at around Tk 130,000," said Suman Talukdar, a buyer at the same market.
The markets offer a wide range of sacrificial animals, including local and cross-bred cattle such as Friesian and Brahma, along with goats, sheep and buffaloes.
Traders are also selling specialty breeds such as Dumba, priced between Tk 400,000 and Tk 500,000.
They expect sales to pick up on Tuesday and Wednesday as city residents typically buy livestock one or two days before Eid.
According to the Department of Livestock Services, around 12.33 million animals have been prepared for sacrifice this year against an estimated demand of 10.10 million, leaving a surplus of more than 2.2 million animals.
Authorities have tightened security and monitoring at cattle markets.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, have deployed surveillance teams, counterfeit-note detection machines and temporary banking booths at major haats.
Veterinary teams are also stationed at markets to check animal health and prevent the sale of diseased livestock.
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