Rajshahi residents alarmed over unchecked meat sales ahead of Eid

Allegations have surfaced that animals are being slaughtered and meat sold without mandatory health checks in hundreds of markets across Puthia upazila in Rajshahi, sparking concerns over public health ahead of Eid.

According to locals, despite government regulations requiring proper veterinary inspection of cows, goats and buffaloes before slaughter, such checks are largely absent in many markets. Authorities concerned, including officials from the Upazila Livestock Office and municipal health inspectors, are reportedly failing to enforce these rules effectively, they alleged.

Some traders willing to remain anonymous alleged that designated officials collect money, on a daily or monthly basis, in exchange for allowing animals to be slaughtered without proper inspection. As a result, meat from potentially diseased animals is being sold openly, they claimed.

The lack of monitoring has also led to arbitrary pricing, with vendors indicating plans to increase meat prices further during Eid due to high demand.

Several incidents have heightened concerns. On 11 September, at Baneshwar Haat, a calf was reportedly found in the stomach of a slaughtered cow due to the absence of proper health checks. Similar incidents, including the sale of meat from dead or pregnant animals, have allegedly occurred in different markets of the upazila.

With Eid approaching, meat traders are preparing for large-scale slaughtering to meet anticipated demand. Residents fear that unscrupulous traders may take advantage of the situation to sell meat from diseased animals, potentially posing serious health risks.

Concerns have intensified following reports of anthrax outbreaks in the neighbouring Natore district. Locals warned that without strict monitoring in the days leading up to Eid, contaminated meat could enter the market.

Contacted for comment, Upazila Animal Resources Officer Dr Mahmudur Hasan said a five-member team will be deployed during Eid to ensure no diseased animals are slaughtered and that strict action will be taken against violators.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Liaquat Salman said the matter of meat sales without proper licenses, health tests and certification will be investigated and necessary measures taken.