Although the government increased the price of raw cow hides, the market has not reflected this during the Eid-ul-Adha season. Seasonal traders claim they are incurring losses because wholesalers are not buying hides at government-fixed rates, blaming a market “syndicate” for the situation. However, wholesalers deny these allegations, insisting they are trading at prices set by tanneries.
Anis, a seasonal trader from Dhaka’s Hatirpool, was disappointed when he took 240 cow hides to Posta’s wholesale market. He told reporters, “Although the government raised prices compared to last year, wholesalers are now offering only Tk650-700 for large cow hides. I’ve lost around Tk70,000–80,000.”
Like him, many seasonal traders who bought sacrificial hides are facing financial distress, forced to sell at a loss. A madrasa teacher from Lalbagh, who sold donated hides, said, “The government rate should be Tk1,500–2,000 per hide, but wholesalers aren’t paying more than Tk400–600.”
According to government rates, salted cow hides should sell for Tk60–65 per square foot in Dhaka and Tk55–60 outside Dhaka. Yet, many wholesalers are buying hides from middlemen at Tk30–35 taka per square foot—less than half the official rate.
Wholesalers in Posta argue they are simply aligning purchases with tannery prices.
During Eid, hides from across the country flood Posta’s markets before being sent to tanneries. However, trade volumes fluctuate based on demand. Mohammad Kamal Uddin, manager of Haji Trading Corporation, said, “We’re buying hides at Tk700–1,000 taka, which aligns with government rates after accounting for salt and other costs.” He noted that prices vary by hide size and that most hides this year are going directly to Savar’s industrial hub.
On the ground, small-to-medium hides sell for Tk200–400 taka, while larger ones fetch Tk400–700. Trader Mokhles lamented, “We’re trapped by syndicates. Even after covering truck rentals and labour, we can’t break even.”
To stabilise prices, the government distributed 30,000 tons of free salt for hide preservation. Yet, many traders—unable to afford proper storage—are avoiding purchases altogether, fearing losses. Salt trader Sohail Ahmed said, “Tanneries are paying half last year’s rates, so I’ve quit the hide trade.”