Proper preservation of Qurbani hides and other by-products can raise the livestock sector’s contribution to the national economy, Fisheries Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Amin Ur Rashid said at a training workshop in Dhaka.
The Department of Livestock Services organised the “Qurbani Management Workshop-2026” at Krishibid Institution Bangladesh, bringing together meat processors, hide preservers and veterinary medical teams, the ministry said in a press release.
The minister said meat is not the only economic product from sacrificial animals, as hides and other by-products can also create value if they are properly preserved and managed.
“Your active participation in ensuring the health safety of sacrificial animals and managing cattle markets is highly commendable,” he said, addressing veterinary medical teams, livestock officials and stakeholders.
He said a large number of people work in animal slaughtering, flaying, meat processing and distribution during Eid-ul-Azha, making skilled manpower essential for the sector.
The absence of trained workers, especially in sensitive tasks such as skinning, damages the quality of hides and lowers their market price, he said.
The minister suggested bringing madrassa students and local youths under specialised training programmes for the Qurbani season.
The initiative could improve hide quality, create short-term income opportunities and build technical skills among students, he said.
The government will also consider year-round training programmes to reduce skill shortages during Qurbani, he added.
A large share of Qurbani hides are donated to madrassas, the minister said, adding that government support, including the supply of salt for hide preservation, is continuing.
Proper cleaning of fat, timely use of salt and scientific preservation methods can improve leather quality and help increase foreign exchange earnings, he said.
Bangladesh is now self-sufficient in producing sacrificial animals, with domestic production ready to meet national demand, the minister said.
He urged people not to buy smuggled or illegally brought animals in order to protect local farmers and national interests.
Public awareness, training and coordinated work can further improve Qurbani management and strengthen the livestock sector’s role in the economy, he said.
Speaking as special guest, Fisheries and Livestock State Minister Sultan Salauddin Tuku called for social and religious awareness over whether Qurbani should be performed with illegally imported animals.
He said coordinated initiatives are needed to raise awareness about animal purchase and management, protect domestic farmers and ensure proper preservation and marketing of hides.
“Despite having a surplus production compared to the demand for sacrificial animals in the country, illegal entry of livestock from neighbouring countries occurs through smuggling routes,” he said.
He urged citizens to boycott smuggled animals to protect the interests of local farmers.
The country’s large population should be treated as an asset rather than a burden, the state minister said.
He stressed the need to engage young people in skill development, productivity and positive activities, while urging all to remain alert against drugs and social degradation.
“No activities detrimental to national interests will be tolerated,” he said.
He called on stakeholders to act responsibly in protecting domestic production, farmers and the national economy.
The workshop was chaired by Department of Livestock Services Director General Md Shahzaman Khan.
Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Md Delwar Hossain also spoke at the event.
Earlier, Department Director Md Boyzar Rahman delivered the welcome address, while Department Director Begum Shamsunnahar Ahmed and Department Director ABM Khaleduzzaman presented the keynote paper.
Senior officials of the ministry and the department, meat processors, hide preservers and members of veterinary medical teams attended the workshop
