Fisheries, Livestock, and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Amin Ur Rashid on Sunday said the government has taken extensive security and management measures at cattle markets across Bangladesh to ensure safe and smooth trading ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.
The minister made the remarks after visiting the Diabari cattle market in the capital in the morning, where he inspected the overall management and exchanged views with journalists.
According to a press release, special arrangements have been introduced to prevent the circulation of counterfeit currency at cattle markets. Fake note detection machines have been installed, while dedicated banking services have also been made available on-site. These facilities will allow traders and livestock sellers to deposit money safely or open bank accounts immediately after transactions.
Responding to questions from reporters, the minister said Bangladesh has sufficient locally reared cattle, goats, and buffaloes to meet the entire demand for sacrificial animals this Eid season. He added that domestic farmers and ranchers have produced more than enough livestock for the occasion.
Addressing concerns over missing or stolen animals at crowded markets, Amin Ur Rashid said administration officials, law enforcement agencies, and volunteer teams are working around the clock at major cattle markets. Measures such as loudspeaker announcements, strict surveillance, and emergency assistance cells have been introduced to quickly recover missing livestock.
He also reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance stance against the illegal entry of cattle through border areas. Necessary instructions have already been issued to border guards, local administration officials, and law enforcement agencies following an inter-ministerial meeting held ahead of Eid.
Regarding animal prices, the minister noted that cattle trading in Bangladesh still largely depends on bargaining based on the size, health, and appearance of the animals. He suggested that introducing a “live weight” pricing system in the future could help make cattle pricing more transparent and standardised.
Rejecting allegations of market syndicates, he said prices are determined through normal competition between buyers and sellers and by supply-demand dynamics.
The minister added that adequate manpower has been deployed to maintain discipline, security, and uninterrupted operations at cattle markets across the country until Eid day.
Senior officials from the Department of Livestock Services and the ministry were also present during the visit.
