Govt steps up cattle market security for safe Eid-ul-Adha trading

The government has taken special security measures at cattle markets across the country to ensure the safety of traders, farmers and buyers ahead of Eid-ul-Adha, Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Amin Ur Rashid said on Sunday, 24 May 2026.

The minister made the remarks while speaking to journalists after visiting the Diabari cattle market in the capital to inspect its overall management.

To prevent the spread of counterfeit currency, counterfeit-note detection machines have been installed at the markets.

Dedicated banking services have also been made available on site, allowing sellers to safely deposit their earnings or open new accounts instantly to secure their money.

Responding to a query, the minister said Bangladesh has an adequate supply of sacrificial animals for Eid-ul-Adha and that this year's demand can be met fully with locally reared livestock.

He said the number of cattle, goats and buffaloes produced by domestic farmers and ranchers is more than sufficient to meet national demand.

Addressing concerns over missing or stolen livestock, the minister said administration officials, law enforcement agencies and volunteer teams are working round the clock at major cattle markets.

Measures including public announcements through loudspeakers, strict monitoring and immediate assistance cells have been put in place, he said.

In most cases, missing cattle are being quickly tracked down and returned to their owners, the minister added.

On the illegal influx of cattle through borders, Mohammed Amin Ur Rashid said the government maintains a zero-tolerance policy.

He said necessary directives had been issued to border guards, local administration and law enforcement agencies during a cross-ministerial meeting held before the Eid season.

Asked about the pricing of sacrificial animals, the minister said buying and selling in Bangladesh still largely depends on bargaining based on an animal's build, health, size and physical appearance.

As a result, prices for similar-looking animals may vary, he said.

He suggested that a shift to a "live weight" pricing system in the future would make transactions more transparent and standardised.

The minister also dismissed the possibility of market manipulation.

"With thousands of buyers and sellers interacting freely, it is very difficult to create an artificial syndicate. Animal prices are determined solely by market competition and the dynamics of supply and demand," he said.

He reiterated that the government has deployed adequate personnel to ensure discipline, security and smooth transactions at cattle markets in the capital and across the country.

These operations will continue until Eid day, he added.

Director General of the Department of Livestock Services Md Shahzaman Khan, DLS Director Dr Md Boyzar Rahman, Project Directors Dr Md Abdur Rahim and Dr Md Sofiqur Rahman, and senior officials from the ministry and the department were present during the visit.