The government has announced the official prices of sacrificial animal hides ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, aiming to protect farmers, madrasas and support Bangladesh’s leather industry.
Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said the prices were finalised under the directive of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who is closely monitoring preparations to ensure proper management and utilisation of rawhides during the Eid season.
He made the announcement while speaking to reporters after a meeting held at the Commerce Ministry conference room in Dhaka on Wednesday.
According to the decision, salted cowhide in Dhaka has been fixed at Tk62 to Tk67 per square foot, while outside the capital the price will range from Tk57 to Tk62 per square foot. For goats, salted hides of castrated goats (khasi) have been set at Tk25 to Tk30 per square foot nationwide, while female goat hides (bakri) will be priced between Tk22 and Tk25 per square foot.
The minister said these rates will apply only to properly salted hides, emphasising the importance of correct preservation.
To prevent wastage during Eid, the government will distribute salt free of cost through district and upazila administrations. Authorities have been instructed to ensure timely supply, particularly to madrasas and designated collection centres.
He said around one crore animals are expected to be sacrificed this year, making proper preservation essential for maintaining the supply chain of the export-oriented leather sector.
Training programmes have also been arranged for butchers, traders and madrasa representatives on proper slaughtering and skin preservation techniques. In addition, awareness campaigns are being conducted through media outlets and religious institutions, including guidance from imams during Friday prayers and Eid sermons.
Officials will monitor implementation at field level, with MPs also requested to oversee activities in their constituencies to ensure smooth management of the Eid rawhide market.
