Staff Correspondent,  Narayanganj

What will be the demand for sacrificial animals in Narayanganj district this year? According to stakeholders and farm owners, the demand will not fall below 150,000 under any circumstances—if anything, it may increase. However, uncertainty looms over the import of sacrificial animals through the Indian border, which could lead to a rise in prices.

 According to the Narayanganj District Livestock Office, the projected demand for sacrificial animals in 2025 is 86,549, while the available supply is 60,964—leaving a shortfall of 30,813 animals.

 However, local farm owners and cattle traders disagree with these official figures. They argue that once animals begin arriving from Sirajganj, Chowhali, and Pabna, both supply and demand will rise. Hence, they believe this year’s demand in Narayanganj will exceed 150,000.

 Last year, Narayanganj’s total demand for sacrificial animals was 166,803. The district’s five upazilas housed nearly 10,000 farms (4,327 registered, the rest seasonal), producing 43,660 goats, 1,333 sheep, and 25,989 cows ready for sacrifice. The remaining animals to meet demand arrived from various districts.

 Due to a slight increase in prices in 2024, leather traders are optimistic about this year (2025). They said that last year, the government set the minimum leather price at 1,000 BDT outside Dhaka. They hope to see some profit this year after years of losses. However, they expressed concern that seasonal traders often ruin the market.

 During a discussion with leather traders in the meat market of Dwigubabu’s Bazar, they said 110,000 pieces of animal hides were collected in the district in 2020, when there were no losses. That year, the price of leather reached a maximum of 500 BDT.

 In contrast, they experienced losses in 2021 and 2022. Although 2023 barely broke even, 2024 brought some optimism due to improved pricing.

 In 2024, the target for hide collection was 150,000 pieces, matching the expected number of animal sacrifices (166,803). However, farms currently house less than half the required animals—about 71,235.

 Compared to last year, the demand for sacrificial animals in Narayanganj has increased. In 2024, a total of 166,000 cattle were sacrificed, and a similar demand is expected this year.

 In 2023, the target was 118,000 animals and a similar number of hides. Upazila-wise targets were: Narayanganj Sadar – 20,000; Bandar – 20,000; Rupganj – 20,050; Araihazar – 20,000; and Sonargaon – 20,000.

 Besides specialized farms, ordinary farmers and households are also raising livestock for sacrifice. According to the district livestock officer, this year’s leather collection target has already been met.

 After the government fixed leather prices last year, traders expressed frustration. On June 25, 2023, the price for salted cowhide in Dhaka was fixed at 50–55 BDT per square foot, and 45–48 BDT outside Dhaka.

 This year, there will be no price increase for salted goat hides. On Eid day, hides from across the district were brought to the area in front of Shaheed Zia Hall in Chashara. Wholesalers there fixed the price between 750 and 800 BDT for small, medium, and large hides alike.

 In 2024, a total of 91 cattle markets were set up in the district and city areas of Narayanganj. Of these, 76 were auctioned off by the district administration across the five upazilas, and 15 by Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC).

 When asked about the issue yesterday, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Local Government) Md. Alamgir Hossain told *Shitalakkha*, “We haven’t yet received the final list of potential cattle markets from the upazilas. Once we do, we will conduct necessary investigations before approving them. However, this year, no cattle market will be allowed on roads.”

 Meanwhile, NCC has proposed 26 locations for sacrificial animal markets and has begun formalities for leasing them out. On Thursday (May 8), NCC Market Officer Zahidul Islam confirmed that the draft list had been sent to the District Commissioner’s office. Once approved, the leasing process will commence. Last year, 15 markets were held in Sadar, Bandar, and Siddhirganj; this year, the number has increased to 26.