Govt to ensure safe cattle markets, curb fake notes: Minister

Fisheries, Livestock, and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Amin Ur Rashid said on Sunday that the government has taken special security measures across the country’s cattle markets to ensure the safety of traders, farmers, and buyers ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

To prevent the spread of counterfeit currency, specialised fake note detector machines have been installed at the markets. Additionally, dedicated banking services have been made available on-site, allowing sellers to safely deposit their earnings or open new accounts instantly to secure their money, said a press release.

The minister made these remarks while exchanging views with journalists after visiting the Diabari cattle market in the capital on Sunday morning to inspect the overall management.

Responding to a query, the minister assured that Bangladesh has an adequate supply of sacrificial animals for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, and this year’s demand can be fully met with locally reared livestock.

He added that the volume of cattle, goats, and buffaloes produced by domestic farmers and ranchers is more than sufficient to meet the national demand.

Addressing concerns over missing or stolen livestock, the minister stated that administration officials, law enforcement agencies, and volunteer teams are working round-the-clock at major markets. Measures including public announcements via loudspeakers, strict monitoring, and immediate assistance cells have been established.

In most cases, missing cattle are being swiftly tracked down and returned to their owners.

Regarding the illegal influx of cattle through the borders, the minister emphasised that the government maintains a zero-tolerance policy.

He noted that necessary directives were issued to border guards, local administration, and law enforcement agencies during a cross-ministerial meeting held prior to the Eid season.

When asked about the pricing of sacrificial animals, the minister explained that buying and selling in Bangladesh still largely depends on haggling based on the animal's build, health, size, and physical appearance. As a result, prices for similar-looking animals may vary.

He suggested that transitioning to a "live weight" pricing system in the future would make transactions more transparent and standardised.

He also dismissed the possibility of market manipulation, stating, "With thousands of buyers and sellers interacting freely, it is highly difficult to create an artificial syndicate. Animal prices are determined solely by market competition and the dynamics of supply and demand."

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The minister reiterated that the government has deployed adequate personnel to ensure discipline, security, and smooth transactions at cattle markets in the capital and across the country, adding that these operations will continue until Eid day.

Director General of the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) Md Shahzaman Khan, DLS Director Dr Md. Boyzar Rahman, and Project Directors Dr Md. Abdur Rahim and Dr Md Sofiqur Rahman, along with senior officials from the ministry and department, were present during the visit.