With just three days to go until Eid-ul-Adha, the port city’s sacrificial animal markets have yet to reach full activity.
Although the formal sale of animals began on Thursday, the expected number of buyers has not yet arrived, due to the sweltering heat and unfavourable weather conditions.
Traders said that while buyers are present, sales remain comparatively low. They are hopeful that trading will pick up significantly from today.
Cattle for sacrifice have already reached various markets across Chattogram, including Sagarika Cattle Market, Moijjartek, Baklia Nur Nagar Housing, and temporary markets in the Kalurghat area, with trucks bringing animals from multiple districts.
Animals are carefully unloaded and placed in designated areas, and traders are taking special care of their feeding, rest, and health to ensure they are suitable for sale.
However, traders alleged extortion along transport routes, where trucks and covered vans are stopped for unofficial charges. They said such harassment adds to the difficulties of bringing animals from distant areas and have called for stricter monitoring.
Alongside sales, last-minute preparations are ongoing in the markets, including constructing bamboo structures, setting up temporary stalls, and reinforcing security and sanitation measures. Market organisers said all arrangements are being made to manage crowds and ensure convenience for buyers and sellers ahead of Eid.
Despite sufficient supply, buyer turnout remains relatively low, though visitor presence is noticeable. Many are examining the size, breed, and price of animals, while others are observing the market before deciding. Mid-sized cattle are particularly in demand, with prices correspondingly higher, according to traders.
At the Muradpur area’s Bibirhat Cattle Market, buyer and visitor activity was observed throughout the day, but sales pace has not yet normalised. Many are inspecting animals and bargaining, while others are waiting to make decisions based on market conditions.
Prices for small locally-breed cow range from Around Tk60,000 to Tk1,00,000. Mid-sized cost between Tk2,00,000 and Tk3,00,000, sometimes reaching Tk4,00,000. Large sized are priced from Tk4,00,000 to Tk8,00,000 or more.
Masud Farhan Abhi, a buyer in the Moijjartek Cattle Market, said he visited between 10pm and 11:30pm. Traders are charging Tk45,000–50,000 per maund for cow or buffalo.
He added that it is unclear whether the market is officially licenced by the Chattogram City Corporation or district administration, but local syndicates reportedly collect 5 per cent of the sale price.
Abdul Karim, a trader from Cumilla, said that cattle supply in Chattogram is higher this year, but rising feed costs have increased rearing expenses, pushing prices slightly higher. Excessive pricing, he added, would make sales difficult, so they also consider buyers’ capacity.
According to the District Livestock Department, a total of 7,83,151 animals have been prepared for Eid in Chattogram city and district: 4,99,279 cattle, 1,94,519 goats, 47,834 buffaloes, and 41,423 sheep.
The total estimated demand is 8,18,671 animals.
The department said that supply is sufficient to meet demand, so no shortage is expected. Consequently, competition and market activity are likely to intensify as Eid approaches.
Security arrangements have also been strengthened around the markets by the Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP). For the first time, drone surveillance is being employed.
Each market has 15 armed police officers, supported by RAB, military, BGB, and intelligence personnel. Besides, Booths have been set up to detect counterfeit currency.
