Cattle markets abuzz in Dhaka ahead of Eid, prices remain affordable

Cattle trading is bustling in both permanent and makeshift markets across Dhaka, with active participation from buyers and sellers. There is an ample supply of cows and goats, and prices are noticeably lower compared to previous years.

As the Eid-ul-Azha holidays begin, crowds have been growing in the cattle markets since early Thursday (June 5). Many buyers are pleased to find cows and goats at affordable prices. Sellers and traders expect brisk business to continue late into Friday night (June 6), the eve of Eid. They report that, along with small and medium-sized cows, goats are also seeing strong sales this year.

At midday, during a visit to the Gabtoli cattle market, groups of buyers were seen arriving—some with women and children. They browsed the market, checked out the animals, asked about prices, bargained, and made purchases when they found suitable options. Others walked away to look at different animals if the price didn’t match their budget.

Farhad Hossain, a resident of Dhaka Udyan in Mohammadpur, said after buying a cow for Tk205,000, “There are plenty of cows at Gabtoli market this time. It didn’t take long to find one I liked.”

However, some sellers mentioned that the number of buyers is still lower than the number of cattle. If they can’t sell them all, they may have to take the unsold animals back. That’s why many are selling for minimal profit—some even at cost.

Salam Mia, a trader from Natore, brought 45 cows to the main section of the market. By afternoon, he had sold nine of them for prices ranging from Tk90,000 to Tk172,000. He was asking Tk100,000 to 150,000 for the rest.

Robin Biswas from Aminpur, Pabna brought 180 goats in various sizes and had sold over 100 by the afternoon. He said medium-sized goats were being sold for Tk25,000 to 30,000.

SA Siddiq Sazu, the leaseholder of Gabtoli market, said, “There is a huge supply of cows here. Since Wednesday (June 4) morning, over 20,000 cows have been sold. More than 30,000 are still in the market, and wholesale traders are bringing in more. Due to this adequate supply, prices have remained affordable.”

Meanwhile, buyers at the Diabari cattle market in Uttara and the one near the Sutivola canal in Vatara also said they were able to purchase animals of their choice at reasonable prices.

Nazrul Islam, who bought two medium-sized cows for Tk188,000, said he was satisfied with the price.