Heavy rain dampens cattle trading as Eid markets open

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FE REPORT | Published: May 24, 2026 23:39:08

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Heavy rain severely disrupted cattle trading in the city's makeshift markets on Sunday, the opening day of official sales of sacrificial animals ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, dealing a blow to traders already struggling with rising costs.
A total of 23 temporary cattle markets set up under the two city corporations, along with the permanent market at Gabtoli Cattle Market, were expected to witness heavy crowds of buyers and traders.
However, afternoon rain dampened trading activities, leaving many seasonal traders worried about poor sales.
Rais Uddin Mondol, who brought 30 cows from Kushtia to a market set up on the grounds of Uttar Shahjahanpur Maitree Sangha Club, said the adverse weather had kept buyers away.
"I came with sacrificial animals with great hope. But due to the heat over the past few days, the cows have become weak and uncomfortable. Then sudden rain also kept buyers away because of mud and rain fears," he said.
"Sales have not yet started. Trading may pick up in another couple of days," he added.
He said only a small number of buyers were visiting the market and most left  after inquiring about prices.
"Feeding and maintaining the cattle during these days has become very difficult. Feed prices are also high," he added.
Another trader, Azgar Sheikh, who brought 60 cattle from Jibannagar in Chuadanga, said cattle prices this year could be 20 to 25 per cent higher than last year due to rising costs.
According to him, feed and medicine costs increased by 30 to 40 per cent, while transportation expenses rose by nearly 30 per cent.
Azgar said his locally raised bulls weighed around five to six maunds each and would need to sell for Tk 0.22 million to Tk 0.26 million to ensure a profit margin of 10 to 15 per cent.
"Selling below that price would no longer make this a viable business," he said.
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