DHAKA : Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid today said that as the country has an adequate supply of livestock for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, there is no need to import sacrificial animals from abroad.
Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat, the minister said that more than 12.4 million cattle, buffaloes, goats and sheep have been prepared for sacrifice this year across the country.
He added that, like last year, the government will not allow the import of cattle from neighboring countries. As part of this decision, leases for border cattle markets have already been suspended in advance.
Regarding market arrangements, the minister said that over 3,600 cattle markets will be set up nationwide for Eid-ul-Azha. In Dhaka alone, 27 markets will be established -16 under the North City Corporation and 11 under the South City Corporation. He emphasized that the markets will be set up only at designated locations and no market will be allowed to disrupt traffic movement.
The minister also stated that the government has not permitted the import of any injections for artificial fattening of cattle in the past and the same restriction will remain in place this year.
On sales procedures, he noted that no tax will be imposed on online cattle trading. However, buyers purchasing animals directly from physical markets will have to pay the applicable market fees.
To ensure animal health, veterinary medical teams under the Department of Livestock will be present at each market to provide immediate treatment if any animal falls ill.
He further assured that the law enforcement agencies have been instructed to prevent extortion during the transportation of sacrificial animals by road and waterways.
State Minister for the ministry Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, its Secretary Delwar Hossain and other officials concerned were present at the conference.
