12.1m animals ready for Eid-ul-Azha: Minister

There will be no shortage of sacrificial animals this Eid-ul-Azha, Fisheries and Livestock Minister SM Rezaul Karim said, reports UNB.
"Over 12.1 million (1.21 crore) sacrificial animals are ready across the country for qurbani (sacrifice) during Eid-ul-Azha," he told the news agency over phone on Saturday.
In fact, he said, the government has taken all-out preparations to celebrate Eid.
No sick animals will be allowed to be sold in cattle markets across the country and "we will ensure that no buyer and seller face any harassment," the minister said.
Besides, additional law enforcers will be deployed to ensure law and order at cattle markets across the country, he added.
No vehicles carrying cattle will be intercepted on highways and roads and the law enforcement agencies, including municipalities, upazilas, union parishads and city corporations will ensure the same, he said.
Coordinated steps will be taken after discussing with the Bangladesh Bank authorities to help the farmers make their financial dealings in smart ways, he added.
Last year cattle were sold through different platforms. This year the platforms will remain active too, said the minister.
"This year the government will introduce a money refund system. Customers will get refund if they return any cattle purchased online."
Veterinary surgeons will also be deployed at all cattle markets to thoroughly check sacrificial animals.
The Livestock Ministry will open a control room to check the movement of cattle-carrying trucks as no one can create any artificial crisis by halting them, he added.