A bull weighing 27 maund (1,016 kg or one ton), bought for Tk89,000 four years ago, is now up for selling at Tk10 lakh in the Joragate cattle market in Khulna.
The owner of the bull also offers a free goat with it.
Murad Hossain, owner of the cattle from Patharkhola, Bagerhat, said: "I bought the Sahiwal breed for Tk89,000 four years ago. When I first brought it to this market last year, I initially set the price at Tk5 lakh. The price gradually climbed to Tk4.5 lakh while bargaining, but I decided against selling it. Currently, I'm asking for Tk10 lakh, considering its weight has increased to 27 maunds."
Cattle traders Jaydev and Sameer Mondal expressed that they both brought 20 local bulls to the market, and were hoping to sell them at a favourable price.
Nur Islam and Arafat Hossain, who came to buy sacrificial cattles for Eid, said: "There is a wide variety of goats, sheep, and bulls available in the market this time. However, the prices are significantly high, surpassing our purchasing capability."
Zahidur Rahman Milton, lessee of the market, said: "There is a high demand for domestic small-sized bulls that are naturally raised on grass in the village fields. This market offers bulls of various sizes, and traders from different parts of the country have come to purchase a substantial number of cattle today. We also have artificially fattened ones available in this market, which has piqued the interest of buyers."
Nuruzzaman Talukder, supervisor of the market, said: "We ensure maximum security for the traders in the market. Various forces, including the police, have been deployed to maintain law and order. We have CCTV surveillance and a special system to detect counterfeit notes. Additionally, the bank office has been opened. Within the first two days, we have collected Tk10,000."
He further added: "The cattle market has gained popularity for offering a wide range of domestic breeds of bulls, both small and big. As a result, people from various income groups, ranging from low-income individuals to the affluent, visit the haat at least once."
It is noteworthy that every year, Khulna City Corporation (KCC) sets up an animal market at Joragate for the purchase of sacrificial animals.
Previously, the markets were managed by contractors. In 2009, KCC's revenue from the cattle market amounted to Tk47 lakh.
Since 2011, the city authority has taken the initiative to manage the market under its own supervision. Since then, this market has generated crores of take in revenue.
In 2011, the revenue amounted to 1,06,58,071, with a total of 8,396 animals sold.
In 2022, the revenue reached 2,25,60,745.