News Flash
CUMILLA, May 13, 2026 (BSS) - Adequate preparations have been completed in Cumilla ahead of the Eid-ul-Azha with around 2,59,000 sacrificial animals have been reared across the district’s 17 upazilas.
According to the District Livestock Office, the estimated demand for sacrificial animals of this year is about 2,47,000 leaving a surplus of nearly 12,000 animals after meeting the local demand.
Officials of the Livestock Department said the district will be able to meet its Eid demand entirely through locally raised animals. The surplus cattle are expected to be supplied to other districts of the country. Farms throughout the district are now busy with final preparations and care for the animals ahead of sale.
Sources said that among the animals, 2,00,717 are cows and buffaloes, while 58,283 are goats, sheep and others. Most of the farms have fattened the animals using natural feed and traditional methods.
Upazila-wise data showed that Sadar upazila has prepared the highest number of animals, totaling 20,923. It is followed by Burichang with 18,794, Barura with 17,647, Chauddagram with 16,908 and Sadar Dakshin with 14,517 animals. Meghna upazila recorded the lowest number with 8,732 animals, though the officials said the number is still sufficient to meet the local demand.
Visits by buyers to farms have already begun increasing. Many customers are selecting animals in advance and placing bookings. Farmers are also giving their cattle distinctive names to attract the buyers.
Noor Jahan Agro Farm owner Md. Monir Hossain said his farm has reared 72 cattle of various breeds and sizes including Brahma and Sahiwal breeds. The animals have been given names such as ‘Bahubali’, ‘Toofan’, ‘Fighter’ and ‘Mama-Bhagina’.
He said buyers are visiting farms regularly ahead of Eid, with many bargaining and some already purchasing animals in advance. Customers who buy early will have their cattle delivered to their homes before Eid. Prices at his farm range from Taka 70,000 to Taka 10 lakh.
Farmer Jamal Hossain from Banasoa area under Cumilla Sadar upazila said his farm has 104 cattle, most of which are affordable for middle and lower-income buyers.
He noted that although the feed prices have risen somewhat this year, the cattle market remains relatively stable. Buyers are visiting farms to inspect animals, while some are making advance bookings. He expressed his hope that sales would be increased further closer to Eid.
Farmer Abdul Momin Mia from Bagmara area under Sadar Dakshin upazila said many farmers are now adopting modern cattle-rearing methods. The government’s training programme and advisory support have benefited the farmers significantly and locally raised cattle are expected to see high demand this year.
District Livestock Officer Md Shamsul Alam said there will be no shortage of sacrificial animals in Cumilla this year. He attributed the increased production of safe and healthy livestock to farmers’ enthusiasm, government support and regular monitoring.
He added that veterinary medical teams will be deployed at cattle markets to ensure that sick or chemically fattened animals do not enter into the market. Awareness campaigns are also being conducted for buyers in this regard.
Meanwhile, border surveillance has been intensified ahead of Eid. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Commander Lieutenant Colonel Mir Ali Ejaz of Cumilla 10th BGB said security and monitoring along the district’s 96-kilometer border have been strengthened, despite there being little tendency for cattle smuggling in the area.
He said patrols have been increased to protect the local farmers’ interests and to prevent illegal entry of foreign cattle into the country.
Relevant stakeholders noted that farmers in the district are now more aware and commercially focused in livestock farming than before, helping Cumilla steadily strengthen its position as a self-sufficient district in sacrificial animal production.
