Over 1.24 crore sacrificial animals available in Bangladesh, surplus expected

A total of 12,447,337 sacrificial animals will be available across Bangladesh for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, with an estimated surplus of nearly 24 lakh animals compared to the usual national demand.

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar shared the information at a press briefing on Sunday (May 4) at the Secretariat. The event focused on the assessment of demand, supply, and the free movement and transportation of sacrificial animals across the country ahead of the religious festival.

She said this year’s estimated stock includes 5,602,905 cows and buffaloes, 6,838,920 goats and sheep, and 5,512 animals of other species.

“There is likely to be a surplus of around 2,068,135 animals,” the adviser added.

To prevent the unethical use of steroids and hormones in animal fattening, mobile courts will be deployed and awareness campaigns will continue. Scientific training programs for healthy fattening and animal rearing are already underway across the country, she noted.

So far, 83,656 farmers have received training, 6,600 courtyard meetings have been held, and 274,378 leaflets and posters have been distributed. In addition, 53,263 farms have been inspected to raise awareness among farmers about the harmful effects of steroid and hormone use.

The government is working in coordination with local administrations and livestock departments to ensure safe and ethical practices in animal preparation and sales during the Eid season.