Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Amin Ur Rashid has said rearing sacrificial animals for Eid-ul-Azha serves as a major source of income for marginal farmers and ranchers across Bangladesh.
The minister made the remarks after inspecting the Neura cattle market in Cumilla Sadar Dakshin upazila ahead of the upcoming festival.
“Millions of families earn their livelihoods by rearing and selling sacrificial animals, turning this into a significant industry-driven economic activity,” he said.
Highlighting the scale of Eid-ul-Azha, he noted that the vast number of animals sacrificed annually makes Bangladesh one of the largest congregations globally. Marginal farmers spend one to two years raising cattle, goats, sheep, and buffaloes for the season, making it a vital economic lifeline, he added.
Amin Ur Rashid emphasised that the government has actively supported these farmers with training, financial aid, and targeted initiatives to boost livestock production. “These measures have driven commercial farming and injected dynamism into the country’s agrarian economy,” he said.
On questions of security, animal health, and market management, the minister assured that the administration, law enforcement, and the Department of Livestock Services are working in close coordination to monitor markets nationwide.
“Dedicated veterinary teams have been deployed to every market to conduct health screenings, provide treatment, and supply medicines. Livestock officials remain on-site to assist buyers and sellers,” he said.
Addressing concerns over extortion or mismanagement, the minister confirmed that no major complaints have been recorded and that law enforcement officers remain on high alert. Fake-note detection booths have also been installed across major markets to prevent fraud, he added.
He reiterated that supervision will continue until the eve of Eid to ensure a smooth and secure trading environment.
The visit was attended by Cumilla City Corporation Administrator Md. Yusuf Molla Tipu, District Livestock Officer Md. Samsul Alam, Sadar Dakshin Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sujan Chandra Roy, Upazila Livestock Officer Dr Md Mahe Alam, and local political leaders.
