Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin on Wednesday said the government will extend support to preserve the rawhides of sacrificial animals during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha until fair prices are ensured.
"The orphans have rights to the rawhides of sacrificial animals, and we have held high-level meetings to ensure fair pricing," he said. "We have decided to provide 30,000 metric tons of salt to madrasas and orphanages to help preserve the rawhides until fair prices are available."
The commerce adviser made the remarks while briefing reporters after the first meeting on ensuring proper management on Qurbani related matters held at the ministry conference room at Bangladesh Secretariat.
He said that training would be provided to madrasa and orphanage staff on rawhide management and preservation. Additionally, an awareness video will be created and widely circulated to educate the public on proper rawhide preservation techniques.
Bashir noted that a large number of rawhides are generated during Eid-ul-Azha, but many people are often forced to sell them at low prices out of fear they will rot. "This time, that won't happen," he assured.
He added that the chief adviser himself is committed to ensuring that poor people receive fair prices for rawhides.
Regarding the outcomes of Wednesday's meeting, Bashir said that the sale and purchase of sacrificial animals outside designated cattle markets will not be allowed. The meeting also addressed the demand and supply of sacrificial animals.
The commerce adviser mentioned that the government might permit the direct export of rawhides if fair prices are not secured in the domestic market.
Adviser to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Farida Akhter, stated that a fair marketplace, safe transportation, and just pricing for sacrificial animals will be ensured this time.
She added that her ministry is working tirelessly to prevent any violence related to sacrificial animals and to ensure that harmful chemicals are not used for fattening them.
Lieutenant General (Retd) Abdul Hafiz, special assistant to the chief adviser, said the Bangladesh Police, particularly the Highway Police, will remain vigilant to prevent extortion involving vehicles transporting sacrificial animals.
He also noted that personnel from the Bangladesh Army will remain active to support these efforts.
The special assistant said a central monitoring cell and a dedicated hotline—alongside the national emergency number 999—will remain operational during this period to allow the public to report any untoward incidents.
Earlier, a high-level 17-member committee was formed to ensure fair pricing for sacrificial animal hides during the upcoming Holy Eid-ul-Azha.