The Bangladesh government has intensified surveillance along its borders to prevent illegal cattle smuggling from India ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. Authorities have decided to close cattle markets in border areas and maintain a policy of not importing sacrificial animals. Official data show the country has a surplus of about 2.2 million animals for sacrifice, though shortages persist in Dhaka and Chattogram divisions.
According to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Bangladesh has 12.33 million animals ready for sacrifice against an estimated demand of 10.1 million. The government aims to protect local farmers who suffered losses in previous years when Indian cattle inflows depressed prices. Some farmers in flood-affected haor regions reported selling cattle cheaply due to feed shortages, though ministry officials denied any widespread crisis.
Livestock Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid said border cattle markets were banned to safeguard domestic producers. The government has also promoted online cattle sales without fees and arranged training for butchers to ensure proper handling of hides during Eid.