With Eid-ul-Azha approaching, livestock markets across Dhaka city are experiencing a gradual influx of sacrificial animals, though full-scale trading activities have yet to gain momentum.
Alongside the permanent Gabtoli Cattle Market, authorities have set up 27 temporary cattle markets under the jurisdiction of Dhaka North City Corporation and Dhaka South City Corporation.
Preparations are still underway, with temporary sheds, bamboo structures, electricity connections, and basic facilities being installed.
Despite a steady arrival of livestock from districts including Kushtia, Sirajganj, Pabna, Meherpur, Manikganj, Chuadanga, Bogura, Naogaon, Joypurhat, Jhenaidah, and Chapainawabganj, a clear gap between seller expectations and buyer willingness has created uncertainty in the market.
Traders say rising costs of cattle feed, transport, and labour have forced them to increase prices, while buyers argue that animals have become increasingly unaffordable.
Demand is currently concentrated on medium and small-sized cattle, while larger animals are attracting fewer buyers. At Gabtoli, trader Meherzzaman said he brought eight cows but managed to sell only one so far.
He added that high input costs are putting pressure on traders, warning that without fair prices, many would incur losses.
On the buyer side, caution remains strong. Aminul, a customer at Tejgaon market, said prices are "too high," adding that he is only observing the market and planning to buy closer to Eid. Many customers are adopting a wait-and-see approach, expecting prices to ease in the final days.
Market activities remain slow in the morning, with comparatively better turnout in the afternoon. Traders describe the current phase as a "price discovery period," with significant sales expected only just before Eid.
Analysts say the situation reflects an expectation-driven market dynamic, where buyers delay purchases in anticipation of price drops, while sellers attempt to recover rising production costs. The market is expected to become fully active as Eid-ul-Azha draws nearer.
