With Eid-ul-Adha approaching, cattle markets across the country have sprung to life with heightened activity. Since Wednesday night, Dhaka’s temporary cattle markets have seen increased transactions, with farmers and traders engaging in intense negotiations despite high prices.
On Thursday morning, major markets, including Kachukhet, Mirpur’s Eastern Housing, Uttara Diabari, Cantonment, and Posta areas reported surging crowds of buyers. However, muddy conditions from morning rains initially reduced footfall at Gabtoli market, though numbers grew as the day progressed. Many buyers are opting to purchase directly from farms.
Buyers report scarce options below Tk1 lakh, with Jahurul Islam from Lalmatia noting: “Medium and small cattle are priced higher, while larger ones are relatively cheaper.” Khairul Islam from Bosila, seeking goats, observed higher prices than previous years.
Bangladesh Livestock Traders Association President Mujibur Rahman confirmed abundant supply of local cattle, though larger specimens are fewer this year. “Markets have ample medium and small-sized cattle suitable for Qurbani,” he stated.
However, multiple buyers complained that traders remain inflexible on six-figure prices despite plentiful supply. Goat and sheep numbers appear to be reduced compared to previous years.
Dhaka’s temporary market locations
The capital has established 19 temporary cattle markets – 10 under Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and 9 under Dhaka South (DSCC).
DNCC Markets: Gabtali, Khilkhet (Ward 43), Tejgaon Polytechnic area, Uttara Diabari (Sectors 16/18), Mirpur-6 (Eastern Housing), Mohammadpur (Bashila 40ft road), Uttara Sector-10 (Ranavola Avenue), Bhatara Sutivola canal, Khilkhet Elevated Expressway area, Kachukhet Rahman Nagar, Merul Badda, Rampura Iqra Madrasa, and Mirpur Kalshi Balur Math.
DSCC Markets: Sarulia, North Shahjahanpur Maitri Sangha Club, Demra Amulia Aligarh Model College, Postagola Crematorium riverside, Dania Club East Side/Chantek Women’s Madrasa West, Lalbagh Posta (Rahmatganj Club), Hazaribagh Leather Technology College East, Narinda Sadek Hossain Khoka Field South, and Dhalaikhal Truck Terminal/Brothers Union Club area.