Only a few days remain before the holy Eid-ul-Azha, and the capital's cattle markets have begun to fill up for the sacrifice.

At Gabtoli, Dhaka's only permanent market, all preparations have been made, including space to keep the animals. Animals are arriving at Gabtoli by truck from different parts of the country.

A visit to Gabtoli on Saturday (31 May) found preparations for Eid nearly complete. Several cows were kept at the market entrance, with asking prices of up to Tk 2.5 lakh.

Cattle sales in Dhaka usually begin two to three days before Eid because of a lack of space. But those with their own houses are looking at cattle and may want to buy early.

Mashiur Rahman, owner of Zakaria Dairy Farm, told Jago News he brought his cattle to the market the previous night, but the market has not yet picked up. Many are looking at the cattle, and he has several breeds. Mashiur says cattle prices will be higher this time because feed, labour and transport costs have risen.

The number of cattle at the market is still low. Wherever there are a few, crowds of TikTokers and YouTubers can be seen, but there are almost no buyers; only a handful of people are walking around looking.

Haji Awlad Hossain has come to Gabtoli from Khilgaon with a budget of Tk 2 lakh; he wants to sacrifice a medium-sized cow. "Where would I keep a cow if I bought it now? I have come to have a look. This time I intend to sacrifice a cow worth two lakh taka for the sake of Allah," he said.

This year Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has not leased the market to the highest bidder. Instead of a lease, the corporation's administrator Mohammad Ejaz is now collecting the fee directly at Gabtoli, at Tk 35 per thousand.

Six DNCC staff are on duty at the hasil booth. "We will leave as soon as the market lease is settled. The bidding has not been finalised yet. We are collecting Tk 35 per thousand," they said.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.