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Over 1cr sacrificial animals ready for Qurbani: minister
Unb, Dhaka
Fisheries and Livestock Minister SM Rezaul Karim has said over one crore cattle are ready in the country for Qurbani (sacrifice) during the Eid-ul-Azha this year.
“Sick animals will not be allowed to enter the sacrificial animal market and medical teams will be active in each market,” the minister told the news agency in an online interview.
Asked whether the Covid-19 pandemic would reduce the number of sacrifices, the minister said, “We have 1 crore sacrificial animals for this year’s Qurbani.” Usually, some family sacrifices five to six animals during Eid-ul-Azha, said the minister, adding that they were apprehensive that they will not do that this year.
Meanwhile, low-income families have been struggling to recover the financial loss of Covid-19 pandemic, cyclone Amphan and Bulbul, he said.
“I think some of them will not sacrifice animals if they are incapable of, and middle-income people also may not participate in Qurbani this year,” the minister said.
“I guess the number of sacrifices will come down this year in comparison with the previous year,” he said.
Asked if the ministry has taken steps to stop entry of harmful steroid and hormonal medicine for animals through borders before Eid-ul-Azha, SM Rezaul Karim said, “Border security is not under my ministry. We urged authorities concerned to stop animal entry from India, Myanmar or any country as sufficient numbers of animals are being produced here in Bangladesh.”
Livestock offices in bordering areas were also asked to be alert as no animal can enter Bangladesh illegally, he added.
Flow of cattle still slow at markets
With two days remaining for Eid, farmers, traders lose heart as demand drops
Helemul Alam and Shaheen Mollah
Every year before Eid-ul-Azha, the cattle markets bustle with people; excitement fills the air while haggling commences in full force. The smelly, yet lively haats are the place to be; the animals -- sights to behold.
But it’s not the same this year.
With only three days left for Eid, only half the number of cattle has arrived at the market in comparison to previous years, said traders. Fear of not getting a reasonable price and lack of buyers due to the pandemic situation are some of the major reasons, they added.
Also, many cattle farmers and traders who are able to rear their cattle for one more year did not show up at markets amid the circumstances.
These correspondents visited at least six cattle markets yesterday -- Dhupkhola, near Sadeque Hossain Khoka Playground, Gabtoli, Aftabnagar, Kachukhet and Meradia markets -- and found 30 to 50 percent less number of sacrificial animals this year.
Even though 17 cattle markets have been set up under the two city corporations this year, which is 10 less than last year, the numbers are still poor.
The lessees hope that the number of cattle will increase in the remaining couple of days, if there is sufficient number of buyers.
Dr Abdul Zabbar Shikdar, director general of the Department of Livestock, in the first week of this month told The Daily Star that this year, 1.19 crore cattle have been reared targeting Eid-ul-Azha, exceeding last year’s demand by 10 lakh.
He said last year 1.18 crore animals were reared but around 1.09 crore were slaughtered during the three-day festival. “But the main challenge is selling the cattle in different markets while maintaining social distance and following health guidelines,” the DG said.
PHOTO:
FIROZ AHMED
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