Photo: BSS

By Md Aynal Haque

RAJSHAHI, June 2, 2025 (BSS) - Online trading of sacrificial animals has gained significant popularity in Rajshahi region ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, offering an alternative to traditional cattle markets.

Digital platforms are increasingly being chosen by buyers and sellers as a hassle-free and safer option to purchase sacrificial animals.

In today's fast-paced lifestyle, online cattle markets are becoming the preferred choice for many, providing convenience and mutual benefit for both parties.

In the digital marketplace, many buyers have already booked their desired animals through advance payments and are set to receive them before Eid day. 

Established farms remain top choices for buyers in online sacrificial animal markets, as they allow customers to view animals on their online pages and negotiate prices via video calls.

Farmers said they are selling more animals online compared to the conventional markets. 

Arafat Rubel, owner of Sawdagar Agro Farm, has been a successful beef fattener for the last couple of years. Ahead of the Eid-ul-Azha, he reared and fattened 32 bulls and has already sold all of them online. 

He still gets calls for bulls from different corners of the country, but no more bulls are available for sale. 

Rubel said online cattle sales solely rely on confidence and trust, which must be built with utmost sincerity and honesty. The buyers always opt to get animals at their doorsteps without any hassle. This is why the online market has become popular. 

If all farmers maintain transparency in their business practices and branding, buyers will be able to purchase animals at fair prices.

Towhidul Islam, owner of Shahi Agro Organic Farm in Harian Ronhat under Paba upazila, said he posted videos and photos of his 40 bulls on his Facebook page. So far, he has sold 25 of them and delivered eight. He expects to sell the remaining animals before Eid day.

District Livestock Officer Dr Atwar Rahman said the online sale and purchase of sacrificial animals has became increasingly popular since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Farmers who have built their own branding now prefer online platforms over traditional markets due to higher demand.

Meanwhile, with only four days left before Eid-ul-Azha, the sale of sacrificial animals has reached its peak in Rajshahi division, despite relatively high prices. This comes amid a record supply due to surplus production.

According to market sources, buyers are showing more interest in healthier, hygienic, locally reared cattle than in artificially fattened or imported ones, which are fewer in number.

According to the latest official data, around 43 lakh sacrificial animals are available this year in all eight districts of the division, against a total demand of 26 lakh. As a result, the surplus 17 lakh animals will be transported to different parts of the country, including Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet.

Speaking to BSS today, Dr Ananda Kumar Adhikary, Divisional Director of the Department of Livestock, said 302 cattle markets (hats) have been set up for Eid. Of these, 161 are permanent and 141 are temporary.

A total of 213 veterinary medical teams have been formed across the division to ensure the health of the sacrificial animals.

"These teams will examine animals' health, identify pregnant cattle, and provide necessary treatment to prevent disease," he added.

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has intensified security measures at cattle markets in five districts of the region ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha. 

"We have established control rooms at all major cattle markets to prevent any crimes centering the Eid," said Lt Col Masud Parvez, Commanding Officer of RAB-5, while talking to BSS here yesterday.

He added that first-aid centres have been set up to provide healthcare services to both buyers and sellers. Screening machines have also been installed in the markets to detect counterfeit notes.

Intelligence surveillance has been strengthened to ensure public safety.

Lt Col Parvez said raids are being carried out at various points along highways and key locations to deter criminal activities, allowing people to prepare for Eid without fear.