Trade has picked up at the traditional Gabtoli cattle market in Mirpur, one of the capital's best known. Four or five cows are leaving through the main gate every minute, and many cows were waiting in front of the toll room. This was the scene at midday on Thursday (5 June).

Hanif Bepari, who came from Barishal, said small and medium cows are selling quickly, with demand highest for cows priced between Tk 1 lakh and Tk 2 lakh.

Billal Hossain came from Mirpur-13 and bought a cow for sacrifice for Tk 1 lakh. Another Mirpur resident, Abul Hossain, bought a cow for Tk 1 lakh 67 thousand on Thursday. Afnan came from Zoo Road with his father and bought a red cow for Tk 1 lakh 70 thousand.

Buyers and visitors at the market said small and medium cows are in demand among those sacrificing on their own, while those sharing a sacrifice look for bigger cows. Prices were seen to be a little higher for the very small cows.

A seller named Abdus Salam said prices are comparatively much lower. "If buyers offer within our target, we sell, because we have brought a lot of cows and more are coming. We have to sell them all. Often the target isn't met for every cow."

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