Photo: BSS

DINAJPUR, May 16, 2026 (BSS) – The district is witnessing an early surge in the preparation of sacrificial animals for the upcoming holy Eid-ul-Azha, with the number of animals ready for sale exceeding the local demand. 

According to district officials, 62,408 farmers have collectively prepared 4,26,523 cattle for the occasion, including bulls, cows, buffaloes, goats, sheep, and lambs.

Farmers have started bringing animals to 68 cattle markets across 13 upazilas of the district, with the largest influx reported at Birampur Old Market. “Wholesalers from outside the district have already purchased good-sized animals in advance,” said Md. Ajmal Haque, lessee of the market.

Last Thursday, four major markets—Ranirbandar (Chirirbandar), Raniganj (Ghoraghat), Ambari (Parbatipur), and Kaharole—witnessed a notable presence of outside wholesalers buying preferred animals ahead of Eid. 

However, there has not yet been a significant turnout of local buyers, who traditionally purchase animals after the sighting of the moon for Eid-ul-Azha.

Officials predict that due to the higher supply of sacrificial animals this year, prices may be slightly lower than in 2025. Wholesalers reported that small and medium-sized cows are in higher demand than large ones, with most buyers targeting animals in the price range of taka one lakh.

Dinajpur Superintendent of Police Md. Zedan Al Musa confirmed that comprehensive security measures have been put in place at the cattle markets. “Plainclothes officers are monitoring the markets to prevent counterfeit transactions,” he said. Veterinary teams are also checking the health of animals, while banks are assisting in verifying currency notes.

Despite the ample supply, some farmers expressed concern over rising feed costs and lower returns. Hares Ali, a farmer from Parbatipur, said he brought five Shahiwal bulls, asking for 2.5 lakh taka each, but buyers offered Taka 1.5 to 1.7 lakh. Last year, similar animals sold for Taka 2.2 to 2.35 lakh. 

Another seller Monirul Islam said that he spent Taka 70,000 to 80,000 per bull but received only Taka 90,000 to 1 lakh from buyers.

District Livestock Officer Dr. Md. Abdur Rahim confirmed that the current stock—including 177,546 cows, 248 buffaloes, 234,990 goats, 13,729 sheep, and 21 lambs—exceeds twice the local demand. 

“Farmers have been encouraged to raise animals naturally,” he said, adding that mobile courts are monitoring the markets to prevent extra fees and ensure fair practices.

The district administration continues to oversee market operations closely, assuring buyers and sellers of both animal health checks and protection against counterfeit currency. 

With Eid approaching, the coming days will determine how the surplus stock is sold and the final prices of sacrificial animals in Dinajpur.