Sales of sacrificial animals gain momentum in Dhaka

With just one day to go till Eid-ul-Azha, the sales of sacrificial animals in Dhaka's makeshift cattle markets (haats) gained momentum on Saturday.

Though the sales started to increase from Friday, they gained further momentum on Saturday, said Md Saiful Islam Babu, younger brother of Md Hossain Khan, lessee of Dhaka Polytechnic Institute makeshift cattle market.

He said that the way sales are increasing, there may not be any unsold cows on Sunday.

Visiting Dhaka Polytechnic Institute's makeshift cattle market on Saturday, this correspondent found a good number of buyers leaving the haat with their choice of cattle.

Though the cattle market will remain open till morning on Eid day (Monday) sellers are not taking the risk of holding out till the end for a hefty price. Some are selling their animals at minimal profit.

Cattle trader Bakul, who came from Sherpur, said he brought 17 cows with him on Wednesday. Of them, eleven cows have already been sold. He hoped that the rest of the cows would be sold by today.

"There were a few buyers in the past two days, but the number of buyers has increased today," he said.

Md Rashed, another cattle trader from Jamalpur, said he brought 14 cows to the market on Thursday. Of them, he has already sold eight cows.

Expressing his disappointment over the prices, Rashed said the price is low compared to previous years.

Kamruzzaman, a buyer who came to this haat, said a massive number of sacrificial animals have been brought. Small, medium and large-sized cows and goats have been brought at the haat.

"Hopefully, I can buy a sacrificial animal within my budget," he added.

Meanwhile, law enforcers including RAB were seen patrolling the premises to ensure overall security in the haat. Volunteers were also seen helping the buyers and sellers deal with the animals.

Besides, a veterinary medical camp and a smart booth have been set up in the haat to facilitate a smooth experience for both buyers and sellers.