KAPTAI, RANGAMATI, May 13: A vibrant cattle market has started at the Anandamela field of Ward No. 5 under Kaptai Municipality in Rangamati, as preparations for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha gain momentum.
With only a few days left for the holy festival, buying and selling of sacrificial animals has already begun in full swing. The market is witnessing a strong presence of hill cattle, which are attracting the attention of buyers the most.
On Sunday, a visit to the Kaptai New Bazar Anandamela cattle market showed rows of cattle of different colours and sizes brought for sale by traders. Most of the cattle have been brought from hilly areas of Rangamati, including Bilaichhari, Jurachhari, Barkal and Langadu, as well as surrounding regions.
Trader Ranjan Ali said transporting cattle from the hills has become difficult as the water level of Kaptai Lake has decreased. He also noted that cattle prices are higher this year due to rising costs of goods and feed.
Buyers from Rauzan and Rangunia Upazilas of Chattogram, Abdul Mannan and Ilyas, said they had come specifically to purchase hill cattle. "Hill cattle are raised on natural feed, contain less fat and are generally healthier. They are not usually fattened with injections, which is why they are in high demand," they said.
Sellers including Mamun, Nafar Ali, Babu and Karim said they had brought their farm-raised cattle to the market this season. They are asking prices ranging from Tk 150,000 to Tk 200,000 per animal and expect to sell if they can make a small profit.
Trader Abul Kalam said most cattle from the hills are being transported to nearby upazilas such as Rangunia, Rauzan and Chattogram using small and large vehicles.
Kaptai Upazila Livestock Officer Dr Enamul Haque Hazarai said the upazila's demand for sacrificial animals this year is around 6,200, while there is a surplus of about 1,177 animals.
He added that veterinary medical teams will be present at the Kaptai New Bazar cattle market 4-5 days before Eid to ensure animal health checks. Law enforcement agencies will also remain active, along with awareness campaigns to prevent fake currency circulation.
