Photo: BSS

KHULNA, May 13, 2026 (BSS) – A total of 170 traditional and temporary cattle markets are being set up across all 10 districts of Khulna division to facilitate the sale of sacrificial animals ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

With two weeks remaining until the second-largest religious festival of Muslims, cattle traders have already started bringing animals from their farms to these markets.

The Department of Livestock, in collaboration with the district administrations, is setting up the markets, which will remain operational until the morning of Eid day.

Of the 170 traditional and temporary cattle markets, at least 27, including the KCC’s Zoragate cattle market, are being set up in Khulna district.

In addition, 29 markets are being set up in Bagerhat, 16 in Satkhira, 20 in Jashore, 22 in Jhenaidah, 15 in Magura, 10 in Narail, 17 in Kushtia, eight in Chuadanga and six in Meherpur.

Director of the Khulna Divisional Livestock Department Dr Md Golam Haider told BSS that cattle markets have been set up in all 59 upazilas across the 10 districts, as well as within the KCC area.

Additionally, 142 veterinary medical teams will be deployed to ensure the health and safety of the animals.

“The demand for sacrificial animals this year in Khulna division is expected to be met almost entirely through locally reared livestock,” Dr Haider said.

To ensure smooth operations at the Zoragate cattle market, the KCC will install CCTV surveillance, deploy medical teams and provide fake currency detection services under the supervision of Bangladesh Bank, said KCC Chief Executive Officer Razib Ahmed.

Nazrul Islam, a cattle farmer from Baliakhali village in Dumuria upazila, said the price of cattle feed has increased significantly, which may lead to higher cattle prices this year compared to last year.

Mintu Khan, a dairy farm owner from Tipna village in Dumuria upazila, told BSS: “I have reared 18 cows and 26 goats this year and expect to make a profit of Tk 5 lakh to Tk 6 lakh. This year, cattle prices may be slightly higher as the price of cattle feed has increased significantly.”

According to the Livestock Department, the demand for sacrificial animals in Khulna division this year stands at approximately 10.80 lakh.

However, farmers have reared more than 14.47 lakh animals in anticipation of Eid, exceeding the demand by 38.78 per cent.

Last year, a total of 169 traditional and temporary cattle markets were set up and 152 veterinary medical teams were deployed across the division. A total of 14.34 lakh sacrificial animals were reared against a demand for 10.46 lakh animals.

According to Livestock Department data, more than 11 lakh sacrificial animals were sold ahead of Eid-ul-Azha last year.