With Eid-ul-Adha just a night away, the sacrificial animal markets in the capital and across the country have reached their final peak. Trading is ongoing with buyers trying to balance desire and affordability. On Thursday night alone, a large number of animals were sold at various markets. However, sellers have complained about not receiving fair prices, while buyers allege that sellers are unwilling to sell without quoting high rates. Still, as soon as a deal is struck, buyers are returning home with their desired animals. Conflicting claims over prices from both buyers and sellers are being heard everywhere.
From Friday morning, the number of buyers at the markets has increased significantly, and trading continues without pause. There is particularly high demand for small and medium-sized cattle.
From Dhania in Dhaka South to Gabtoli and Diabari in the North, every market is bustling with crowds. Since dawn, buyers have been moving from market to market, bargaining over prices and purchasing their preferred animals. Many who stayed overnight at the markets returned home early in the morning with their animals. Some are walking them home with herders, while others are using trucks.
At Gabtoli market, the lease operations are being managed by BNP leader Syed A Siddiq Shaju. According to Shaju, after Thursday night, trading picked up in full swing, and by morning, the number of people had increased further. Buyers and sellers are bargaining and purchasing animals without any issues. However, he noted that sellers are worried about the lower demand for large cattle. He added that sales will continue throughout the night and even into Eid morning.
Cattle trader Ramzan Ali brought 20 cows from Faridpur to Gabtoli market. Eleven were sold today, and he is hopeful the rest will sell as well. He expressed satisfaction with the prices received.
College student Khandaker Shafiuzzaman from Mirpur Mazar Road came to Gabtoli cattle market with his father to buy a cow. A regular visitor to the market for years, he remarked that prices for medium-sized cows are slightly higher this year. Service-holder Robiul Islam expressed satisfaction after buying a cow from Kachukhet market. Chauffeur Sohel Rana was happy after purchasing a goat from Uttara Diabari market.
This year, 21 temporary cattle markets have been set up in the capital. Gabtoli and Sarulia are the two permanent markets. In addition to various breeds of cows, goats, buffaloes, and sheep are also available. Camels and Dumba sheep have also been spotted.
Meanwhile, at the only cattle market in Genda area under Savar municipality near Dhaka, all cattle were sold out by 5am on Thursday morning. Buyers are now heading toward Gabtoli and other nearby markets in search of cows and goats. Market authorities are reportedly trying to bring in more cattle from various locations.