Sales of cows, goats, buffalos, and other animals are not up to the mark in the cattle markets in business in Chattogram ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha.

There are a total of 10 cattle markets in Chattogram city this year. These include Bibirhat, Sagarika, Postarpar, Karnaphuly, T. K. Group Open Market, TSP Field, CIP Jashim Field, Moheshkhal, Panchlaish, and Outer Ring Road.

Bibirhat and Sagarika are open all year round. Postarpar is also a permanent market, designated for goats. Others are temporary cattle markets which are leased to individuals through auctioning by the Chattogram City Corporation.

The reporter visited some animal markets in Chattogram City, and the picture is dull everywhere. Most of the customers are still assessing the market as the sales are still low.

Due to the hiked prices of animals, many who bought animals individually last year are opting for shared sacrifice. As a result, the number of customers might fall as compared to the previous year.

Zaber Ahmed, a local customer, was troubled by the high prices. He said, “I think the sellers have a syndicate that has hiked the price level. It becomes tough to buy animals for the buyers at such a higher price. I urge the administration to monitor the market so that the price can be reasonable.”

Contrarily, cattle traders aren’t happy either with low sales. They are accusing the customers of not being considerate about inflation and the higher costs of raising cattle.

Hashmat Ullah, a seasoned Byapari (cattle trader), said, “Customer presence in the market is lower than any previous eids. Till now today, I haven’t sold a single animal yet. I don’t know whether I will be able to sell them or not. A huge loss might be ensuing for me.”

Cattle traders from Magura, Kushtia, Natore, Lalmonirhat, Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Faridpur, Cumilla, and other distant districts have brought their cattle for sale. If not sold, they will incur transportation and other logistics costs.

Some are buying online but the number is very low.