The holy Eid-ul-Azha will be celebrated in just four days. The capital's cattle markets, which are locally known as 'Qurbani haats,' are all geared up for this Eid. Traders have been entering the markets with trucks of cows and other animals since evening. However, the sales have not yet picked up.
It has been observed during visits to various markets that the number of buyers is relatively low despite the sufficient number of cows and other sacrificial animals. Even if one or two people come, they leave after seeing the animals and knowing the price. Farmers and sellers are worried in this situation.
Meanwhile, due to the continuous rains over the past few days, garbage and animal excrement have started accumulating in the markets. This is causing a foul smell on one hand, and on the other hand, the residents around the markets are suffering. Traders are spending their time idly as there are no customers on rainy and cloudy days. They are passing the time by talking and chatting among themselves. Such a scene was seen yesterday when visiting the livestock market next to Donia College in Hazaribagh, Jatrabari, and the Postogola cattle market in the capital.
Traders said that the cost of labor and animal feed has increased this time on farms. Many expected that cows would be sold at a good price in the market. But due to the lack of sales, there is a fear of losses. The sales of animals have increased in the last three days in the capital. There are fewer buyers in the market this year compared to last year. This year, the demand for large cattle is also low. There is a demand for small and medium-sized animals. However, the profit is higher for large animals. As long as they have to stay at the market, the traders and workers have their own expenses, and there is some concern about the profit after paying the market fee.
It can be seen that a cattle market has been established in an empty space to the east of the Hazaribagh Institute of Leather Technology College. However, outside the designated area of the market, cattle markets have been set up on both sides of the road in front of a large portion of residential areas and businesses. Temporary shelters have been set up on both sides of the road to house cows and other animals. As a result, the locals are now fed up with traffic jams, garbage, and stench.
During a visit to the Hazaribagh cattle market, cattle traders were seen chatting among themselves under temporary shelters for their customers in the rain. "Last year at this time, at least 5-7 cows were sold a day; this time not even 2-3 are being sold. People wander around the market, look at them and leave, and leave as soon as they are told the price. The sellers hope that sales may increase from tomorrow," said a trader named Hashem.
However, after a long wait, a buyer was spotted at the Hazaribagh cattle market. He said that many sellers are still charging high prices. They are waiting in the hope of a last-minute price drop.
Meanwhile, the Postogola cattle market and the cattle market near Donia College in Jatrabari are almost ready. Last-minute preparations are underway to keep animals at the market by making bamboo, sticks, and shelters. The market has become damp due to waterlogging due to the continuous rains of the last few days. Keeping business in mind, the authorities of the cattle market have made the market suitable for keeping cows by pouring sand. Cows have already been raised in some places in the market. But the market is not yet taking shape. There is hardly any trading. Traders said that it may take another two to three days to take shape.
"Cows and other animals have started arriving at the market. Sales have not started yet. There are not many customers either. Those who are coming are coming to see the cows and to know the prices. I hope sales will increase before Eid," said Kalam, a dealer at the Postogola cattle market.
Meanwhile, the preparations of the two city corporations are also lax. Total nineteen cattle markets are supposed to be set up under the two organizations. The markets have not yet been handed over to the lessees due to various complications. Russell Rahman, information officer of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), told Khabarer Kagoj that although eleven cattle markets were scheduled to be held, two markets have been postponed due to court orders. Six cattle markets have already been finalized, while the remaining three have been leased at government prices and have been sent to the Ministry of Local Government for a final decision.
DSCC has awarded the haat to the highest bidder in the vacant lots of Uttar Shajahanpur Maitree Shangha Club, vacant lots on the riverbank west of Postogola cremation ground, and the vacant lots of Rahmatganj Club under the south, the east of the Institute of Leather Technology College in Hazaribagh, and the vacant lots to the north of Amulia Aligarh Model College. The vacant lots on the south side of Sadek Hossain Khoka Playground, the vacant lots adjacent to Kamalapur Sadek Hossain Khoka Community Center, the vacant lots adjacent to Shyampur-Kadamtali Truck Stand, and the vacant lots on the bank of the creek on the east side of Meradia Bazar have not yet been handed over to the lessees due to various complications.
The market will be set up in the vacant lots adjacent to the Bhatara Sutivhola Canal under the North City, the vacant lots in the Boubazar area adjacent to sectors 16 and 18 in Uttara Diabari, and the Badda Eastern Housing Aftabnagar area, vacant lots in Eastern Housing in Ward 6 of Mirpur, vacant lots adjacent to 40 feet road in Mohammadpur's Bosila, vacant lots in Mirpur's Kalshi Balur field, and the vacant lots adjacent to Kanchkura Bazar, the vacant lots adjacent to Dhaka Polytechnic Institute, the vacant lots of Paschimpara adjacent to Mastul checkpost in Ward No. 43 under Khilkhet Police Station, and the vacant lots from Bhatulia Saheb Ali Madrasa to Ranabhola Sluice Gate in sector number 10.
