Hundreds of raw hides from sacrificial animals were dumped by traders along roadsides in Brahmanbaria after they failed to find buyers or secure fair prices following Eid-ul-dzha.
Seasonal traders alleged that a cartel in the leather market had depressed prices, leaving them unable to sell hides even at a fraction of their purchase cost.
According to local sources, demand for sacrificial animals in the district stood at around 169,000 for Eid-ul-Azha, while nearly 15,000 farmers rear cattle in the area.
On the day of Eid, from the afternoon onwards, seasonal traders began bringing hides to the T.A. Road area of Brahmanbaria town. However, the absence of buyers left them stranded.
Despite waiting throughout the night, many traders were unable to sell their stock due to a severe shortage of buyers in the market.
Eventually, around 5,000 hides were reportedly dumped near the railway station area, as traders left the site in frustration. The discarded hides caused a strong foul smell in surrounding areas, creating hardship for local residents and passers-by.
Many traders were seen moving around different parts of the town with hides in search of buyers, but returned empty-handed and left them by the roadside.
Several seasonal traders said they had purchased hides at around Tk 500 each, but current market prices had dropped to as low as Tk 200, forcing them into heavy losses.
They claimed they were compelled to abandon the hides due to the absence of fair pricing and proper market monitoring, alleging that the sector has effectively fallen under the control of a syndicate due to lack of government oversight.
