Photo: BSS

CHUADANGA, May 15, 2026 (BSS) - Livestock trading has gained significant momentum in Chuadanga ahead of the holy Eid-ul-Azha, with medium-sized cattle witnessing the highest demand at markets across the district while sales of larger animals remain relatively slow.

Thousands of farmers, traders and buyers are crowding major cattle markets every week as sacrificial animal trading intensifies ahead of Eid. Market activity usually reaches its peak from afternoon until late evening.

The district's key cattle markets include Shialmari Market in Jibannagar held on Thursdays, Bhulutia or Navamile Market in Chuadanga on Saturdays, Dugdugi Market in Damurhuda on Mondays and Alamdanga Market near the railway station on Wednesdays.

Although giant cattle continue to attract crowds of curious visitors, actual sales are centered mainly on small and medium-sized animals. Most buyers are looking for cattle priced between Tk 1 lakh and Tk 1.2 lakh, while sellers of larger animals are demanding nearly Tk 2 lakh, creating a stalemate in negotiations.

Buyer Rakibul Islam at Shialmari market said he was struggling to find a suitable cow within his budget.

"I am looking for a cow between Tk 1 lakh and Tk 1.2 lakh, but sellers are unwilling to sell a quality medium-sized cow for less than Tk 1.5 lakh," he said, adding that cattle prices appeared higher than last year.

Farmer Jamal Hossain, who brought four naturally reared cows to the market, said increased feed prices had significantly raised production costs.

"The cost of cattle feed has increased sharply. We raised these animals naturally without using harmful steroids. Considering the expenses for feed and long-term care, the current prices are necessary to avoid losses," he said.

Traders from outside districts are also flocking to Chuadanga to take advantage of the large supply of sacrificial animals. Billal, a trader from Faridpur, said medium-sized cattle were currently the most profitable segment in the market.

"I have already purchased 10 cattle and plan to buy five more to complete a truckload for the Dhaka market, where demand for medium-sized animals is highest," he said.

Meanwhile, goat trading remains comparatively stable. Buyer Alamgir Hossain said he purchased a healthy sacrificial goat for Tk 20,000 and was satisfied with both the quality and supply.

District Livestock Officer Mostafizur Rahman said Chuadanga has sufficient sacrificial animals not only to meet local demand but also to supply other districts across the country.
According to official statistics, the district currently has 202,239 sacrificial animals, including 44,396 cattle and 155,200 goats, against a local demand of 131,181 animals. The surplus of 71,066 animals is expected to be transported to different districts, including Dhaka.

Rahman said the administration is discouraging temporary makeshift cattle markets to ensure proper management and security at designated trading venues.

Shialmari market owner Kamruzzaman Hasan said extensive security measures had already been taken to ensure safe trading during the Eid rush. Additional police personnel have been deployed to protect traders arriving from different districts, while counterfeit currency detection machines are being used to identify fake notes during transactions.

Veterinary teams from the Upazila Livestock Department are also working at major markets to examine animal health and prevent the sale of sick livestock. Besides, awareness campaigns are being conducted to warn traders and buyers about criminal groups locally known as "Oggyan Party" and "Molom Party".

With only one market day remaining before Eid at the Shialmari market, Chuadanga's livestock sector is witnessing intense trading activity amid abundant supplies of naturally reared sacrificial animals and heightened administrative preparedness.