Seasonal leather traders in Chattogram have again suffered major losses after buying sacrificial animal hides during Eid-ul-Azha. They purchased hides from neighborhoods for 400–450 taka per piece but were forced to sell them to wholesalers at Aturar Depot and Choumuhani markets for as low as 150–250 taka. Traders alleged that wholesalers ignored government-fixed prices and formed syndicates to buy hides at nominal rates. Many traders waited for hours without buyers and eventually sold at a loss to prevent spoilage.

Wholesalers denied the syndicate allegations, saying that processing and salting each hide costs around 450 taka, which must be deducted from the government rate. They claimed seasonal traders overpaid during collection, leading to their losses. The same problem occurred last year when unsold hides were left on streets. To prevent waste this year, two voluntary groups—Islami Samaj Kalyan Parishad and Gausia Committee—have started salting and preserving collected hides, targeting 30,000 and 100,000 pieces respectively.

Despite official promises of market monitoring, traders reported no visible administrative oversight, leaving them vulnerable to unfair pricing and financial losses.