Heavy rain has turned Dhaka’s cattle markets into muddy, waterlogged grounds, causing severe hardship for both buyers and sellers ahead of the Eid-ul-Azha sacrifice. On Tuesday, at the Diabari market in Uttara, traders and farmers were seen struggling as cattle stood in knee-deep water and mud. Many animals appeared exhausted or ill from prolonged exposure to rain, while traders expressed frustration over the lack of drainage and poor preparation by market authorities.

Traders from Kushtia, Jamalpur, Faridpur, and Natore voiced anger at the market’s mismanagement, saying the leaseholders failed to ensure proper water removal despite collecting high fees. Some reported financial losses due to sick cattle and reduced buyer turnout. Buyers, however, continued to visit the markets under umbrellas, noting that prices were lower than usual as sellers were forced to compromise. Despite the discomfort, some customers expressed satisfaction after securing cattle within their budgets.

Repeated attempts to contact the Diabari market leaseholder, SF Corporation owner Sheikh Farid Hossain, went unanswered, leaving questions about accountability for the poor conditions.