By Rezaul Karim Jibon, Rangpur
The holy Eid-ul-Azha is only four days away. In the meantime, the sacrificial animal markets in Rangpur have gathered. There are about a hundred small, big, permanent and temporary markets in the 8 upazilas of Rangpur district and Rangpur City Corporation area. Among them, Lalbagh, Burirhat, Nisbetganj, Chaora, Betgari, Khansama, Paotana and Chaudhuri Haats are always famous for buying and selling sacrificial animals. This time, the local cows, goats, sheep and buffaloes are seen as the main ones in these markets.
According to the information of the District Livestock Office, the demand for sacrificial animals in Rangpur this year has been determined at 224,752. About 363,312 animals have been prepared in about 12,000 farms in the district. This means that there is a surplus of 138,561 animals in the district over the demand.
It has been seen on the ground that the number of cows and goats in each market has increased compared to last week, and sales have also increased several times. With Eid approaching, the buying and selling of animals is in full swing in the markets. However, there are mixed reactions among buyers and sellers regarding the prices of animals.
Sellers say that the cost of raising cattle has also increased due to the increase in the price of fodder. Therefore, there is no opportunity to sell the animals at a lower price. On the other hand, buyers say that although it is normal for prices to increase slightly during the Qurbani, this time the traders are asking for 15-20 percent more than usual, which is not acceptable at all.
Wholesalers and locals who came to the market said that cows that were available for 70,000 to 75,000 taka last year are now being bought for 80,000 to 85,000 taka. In other years, wholesalers from various areas including Dhaka and Chittagong would come and buy cows from the markets in Rangpur 15-20 days before Eid, but this time the number is very low.
Meanwhile, there are many complaints about the rent. According to government rules, the rent is 500 taka for cows and buffaloes and 150 taka for goats and sheep, which is supposed to be collected only from the buyer. But in reality, in almost every market, additional rent is being collected, in many cases up to double the prescribed amount, and rent is being collected from the sellers as well—which is completely against the rules. The lessees are often quarreling with the buyers and sellers over this. However, the authorities are playing a silent role in the matter.
Rangpur Dairy Farmers Association President Engineer Latifur Rahman Milon said, "Many farms in Rangpur have closed due to the continuous increase in the prices of animal feed and other inputs. Many farms are on the verge of closing. Those that are still surviving are struggling. This year, if a kg of beef is sold below 700-750 taka, farmers will suffer losses. They want to sell the animals at a minimum profit, but if there is no profit, it is not possible to maintain the farm."
Rangpur District Livestock Officer Dr. Md. Abu Said said that even after meeting the demand for Eid-ul-Adha, there will be a surplus of animals. Medical teams are working in various markets in the district to ensure that no one sells sick animals in the markets. If any animal falls sick, there is a treatment facility there.
Highway Police Rangpur Region Superintendent of Police Mohammad Tariqul Islam said, "Supervision is being made to ensure the overall security of the Shathibari cattle market under the Bara Darga Highway Police Station on the Dhaka-Rangpur Highway. Discussions have been held with the leaseholders of the market. Work is underway to make buyers and sellers aware. Surveillance has been increased so that vehicles carrying sacrificial animals do not face any problems on the road." Rangpur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md. Majid Ali said that a control room, intelligence surveillance and additional police have been deployed to prevent extortion and harassment. In addition, the police are vigilant about fraudsters including 'Malom Party' and 'Halua Party' to prevent any untoward incident.
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