Bogura gears up for Eid cattle markets: Over 38,000 surplus animals ready for sacrifice
Ziauddin Liton, Sherpur (Bogura)
With the upcoming holy festival of Eid-ul-Azha, preparations are in full swing at the cattle markets across Bogura. According to the District Livestock Office, the estimated demand for sacrificial animals this year in Bogura is 709,010. However, farmers have already prepared 746,842 animals—exceeding the demand by 38,432.
Farmers have responded enthusiastically, preparing all categories of sacrificial animals, including cows, buffaloes, goats, and sheep. Among the animals ready are 316,771 cattle (including bulls, oxen, and cows), 380,632 goats, 2,304 buffaloes, and 47,140 sheep.
These preparations are being carried out by 51,146 farmers across the district. Officials say the focus has been not just on quantity but also on ensuring healthy, high-quality animals. Bogura has around 242 markets, many of which become major hubs for livestock trade during Eid. Key cattle markets include Shibganj, Sonatala, Shahjahanpur, Sherpur, Sultanpur, Mahasthan, Chandaikona, Dhunat, and Gosai Bari. In addition, both permanent and temporary cattle markets are being set up at the upazila level to meet local demand and attract buyers from other districts.
To ensure public safety and hygiene, the district administration and law enforcement agencies are working in coordination. Each market will have veterinary teams for animal health checks, dedicated management committees, and CCTV surveillance for security.
Dr. Md. Anisur Rahman, District Livestock Officer (DLO), and Dr. Md. Raihan, Livestock Officer of Bogura Sadar Upazila, have advised residents to buy animals from local markets to reduce transportation costs and minimize animal stress. They also urged buyers to verify the age and health of animals before purchase to avoid fraudulent sellers.
The officials estimate that the Eid cattle trade in Bogura could generate transactions worth nearly Tk 3,000 crore based on average market prices. With a surplus in livestock production this year, animals from Bogura may also be transported to other districts to meet wider national demand.
