0.1m cattle imported from India through Rajshahi borders since July

With only three days left for Eid-ul-Azha, cattle markets in Rajshahi city and nine upazilas of the district along with its adjacent areas have gained momentum with numerous buyers and hundreds of sacrificial animals of both local and imported. A large number of sacrificial animals are being brought from India for sale at different cattle markets like City haat, Naohata haat, Baneswar haat, Keshor haat, Kanthakhali haat, Rajabari haat, Kakonhat, Mohisalbari haat and Machmoil haat. Rajshahi City Corporation allowed installation of eight makeshift cattle markets in the metropolis which have begun to draw huge cattle, including imported ones from the neighbouring country. Officials say over 0.1 million (one lakh) cattle heads, including cow and buffaloes have been imported since July. Traders said on Monday there were plenty of supplies of cattle in the markets and their prices were similar to the last Eid-ul-Azha. The price of an ideal sized cow or buffalo starts from Tk30,000 to 80,000 and a sheep or goat can be purchased from Tk5,000 to 25,000 according to size. In addition to the city’s biggest cattle market-City haat, some temporary markets have been set up at Court Bazar, Shaheb Bazar Zero point, Railway Station, Court Station, Naodapara Aam Chattar and Kazla. Besides the local buyers, the wholesale cattle traders especially from Chittagong and Dhaka are still purchasing cattle from those haats and sending those to different places in the country for sale.

Dr Abdul Mannan Shikder, Commissioner of Customs, Excise and VAT, said that more than 0.1 million (one lakh) cattle heads and buffaloes were imported through eight corridors in Rajshahi, Chapainawabgonj, Naogaon and Joypurhat districts since July contributing revenue collection valued at around Tk40 million (Tk4 crore), according to a news agency.
- biplab