Sacrificial animal markets have been set up in neighbourhoods across Sylhet city. Local councillors and political leaders control them. Small illegal markets have sprung up in Bagbari, Ghasitula, Sheikhghat, Pathantula, Madina Market and Nalia, and buyers are being drawn to them by loudspeaker announcements.

Sacrificial animals have also arrived at the seven markets leased temporarily in the city. At Kazir Bazar, Sylhet's main permanent animal market, traders have brought cattle from different parts of the country. But although markets have opened in neighbourhoods, sales are comparatively low.

At Kazir Bazar on Tuesday (27 June) afternoon, rows of cattle were kept under awnings. Although plenty of animals had arrived, buyers were bargaining because of high prices, and sales were comparatively low. In Sylhet, medium-sized cattle are being priced at Tk 1 lakh 40,000 to Tk 1.5 lakh each, and small cattle at Tk 1 lakh each. Middle-class families going to buy sacrificial animals are in a fix.

Abdul Karim, a trader, came to Sylhet from Jashore on Monday night with 30 cattle. Because he is asking a little more, sales are somewhat slow, but he hopes to sell them all by Wednesday.

Karim told Jago News: "In Sylhet cattle sales begin two days before Eid. Where would city people keep cattle? Sales have started to pick up, and from this evening they will be in full swing."

From his experience of selling at this market before, he said: "Now people look at the cattle, go home and chat about them. Then from the afternoon until midnight they will buy. The cattle will be sold in one or two nights."

Another trader, Arshad Ali, said: "I brought 16 cattle from Habiganj two days ago and have sold six so far. But more buyers are coming. People are looking at cattle and bargaining."

Traders said a lot of sacrificial animals are sold in Sylhet, where many families have members living abroad. Sales have not started properly yet this year, but they will rise at the end.

Buyers say cattle prices are much higher this year. A cow that cost Tk 70,000 to 80,000 last year is selling for Tk 1 lakh this year.

Mohammad Mobarak Hossain, additional deputy commissioner (general) of the Sylhet district administration, said seven animal markets have been approved in the city and 38 in the district. "No sacrificial animal market is permitted anywhere else. If a market is set up illegally anywhere, we will take action."

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