With only a few days left before Eid-ul-Azha, livestock markets in Bandarban and Cox’s Bazar are witnessing heavy crowds of buyers and sellers. However, this year’s markets show a different picture as large numbers of foreign cows, reportedly smuggled through the Myanmar border, have flooded the area. Despite their abundance, conscious buyers are showing a strong preference for locally raised hill cattle that grow naturally in the region’s remote mountain areas.

Buyers and observers noted that many of the imported cows are artificially fattened using injections and harmful hormones, making their meat unsafe and unhealthy. In contrast, the naturally raised hill cattle, which graze freely on local vegetation, are considered safe, nutritious, and flavorful. As a result, even with higher prices, consumers are increasingly choosing these local animals.

The growing demand for hill cattle has brought fair prices and satisfaction to local farmers. However, stakeholders believe that stricter monitoring is needed to prevent illegal cattle imports and protect the interests of domestic livestock producers.