Seasonal traders dump hides on streets in Brahmanbaria amid buyer crisis

Seasonal traders in Brahmanbaria are in trouble due to lack of buyers for sacrificial animal skins and lack of fair prices. Many have left hundreds of skins on the side of the road due to fear of losses. Traders allege that the correct price of skins is not available in the market due to the influence of syndicates.

Skins were seen lying on the side of various roads in the city on Friday (May 29).

Investigation revealed that there was a demand for about 169,000 sacrificial animals in Brahmanbaria during the current Eid-ul-Azha. About 15,000 farmers in the district have kept sacrificial animals. Since noon on Eid, seasonal traders have been gathering on the city's TA Road with animal skins.

But as the expected buyers did not come, they were in extreme trouble. Many could not sell the skins even after waiting all night due to the lack of buyers. Many people started moving around the city with skins to sell. But since there were no buyers, traders piled them on the side of the road.

On the other hand, unsold raw hides were left on the side of the road, causing a strong stench to spread in the surrounding areas. Pedestrians and local residents have been suffering greatly due to this. Especially due to the hot weather, the hides have started rotting quickly, which has increased the stench. People have been seen holding their noses while walking on important roads and populated areas.

Locals said that the environment is also being polluted as the hides have been lying on the side of the road for a long time. They also expressed fear that if these hides are not removed quickly, it may pose a public health risk.

Some seasonal traders said that the hides they bought for 500 taka are now not being sold for 200 taka. Due to this, they have faced huge losses in the leather business. Many have been forced to leave the hides on the side of the road, leaving no other option.

They alleged that the leather market has come under the control of syndicates due to the lack of effective surveillance. As a result, genuine traders are being deprived of fair prices and are facing losses every year.