There was a time when Eid-ul-Azha meant waiting for Indian cattle across border routes, market instability and fears of livestock shortages. But times have changed. A different scene is now visible in the country’s cattle markets, with cows, goats and buffaloes reared in local farms filling the markets.
Government data shows that this year, even after meeting sacrificial demand, Bangladesh will have a surplus of about 2.2 million animals. In other words, a country once dependent on imports has now reached self-sufficiency in sacrificial livestock production.
According to the Department of Livestock Services, the estimated demand for sacrificial animals this year stands at 10,106,334. In contrast, 12,333,840 animals are available. Of these, cattle and buffaloes account for 5,695,878, goats and sheep 6,632,307, and other species 5,655.
A similar trend has been recorded in recent years. In 2023, about 12.5 million animals were produced, while around 10 million were sacrificed. In 2024, production stood at 12.1 million, with about 9.5 million animals sacrificed. In 2025, against 12.4 million animals, around 9 million were sacrificed. While production has steadily increased, demand has remained relatively stable.
Stakeholders say that although supply is sufficient, farmers are under pressure due to rising costs. Increased expenses for animal feed, labor, electricity and transportation have created uncertainty over profitability, particularly for medium and large-scale farmers.
Rabiul Sani, a cattle and goat farmer from the Moynar Tek area of Uttar Khan in Dhaka, who has been operating “HR Agro Farms” since 2007, said this year’s situation is different from previous years.
Speaking to Bangla Tribune, he said feed prices have remained stable, but transport costs have increased significantly due to higher fuel prices. Livestock prices, however, remain close to last year’s levels. Demand for small cattle is strong, keeping their prices higher, while larger cattle are selling at comparatively lower prices.
Adil Hossain, owner of Adil Dairy Farm, said he has prepared to bring 150 to 200 cattle from Kushtia this year. However, rising production costs may push prices for medium-sized cattle higher than last year. A cow that previously sold for slightly above 100,000 taka may now reach nearly 150,000 taka.
Niloy Hossain, senior vice president of the Bangladesh Dairy Farmers Association, told journalists recently that demand for large cattle has declined this year. Rising feed and transportation costs have increased risks for large-scale farmers, with many considering shutting down operations due to potential losses.
According to the Department of Livestock Services, there is also regional disparity in supply. While Dhaka and Chittagong face shortages compared to demand, northern regions have a significant surplus. In Dhaka, demand stands at 2,158,869 animals, while availability is 1,443,942. Chittagong also faces a shortage of about 50,000 animals.
In contrast, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Khulna and Mymensingh divisions have substantial surpluses. Rajshahi alone has about 1.9 million more animals than demand. As a result, a large portion of livestock in the capital’s markets is expected to come from the northern region.
Department of Livestock Services Deputy Director (Farms) Md Shariful Haque said there is no livestock shortage this year and that there will be a surplus of about 2.2 million animals compared to estimated demand.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock said more than 3,600 livestock markets will be set up nationwide this year. In the capital, 27 markets have been designated, including 16 under Dhaka North City Corporation and 11 under Dhaka South City Corporation. Twenty veterinary medical teams will be deployed at these markets.
Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Amin-ur Rashid recently said the government will take a strict stance against extortion involving livestock transport trucks. Law enforcement agencies will remain deployed round the clock to ensure security at markets and on roads. Steps have also been taken to regulate border livestock markets to protect local farmers.
However, stakeholders said production growth alone is not sufficient; market management must also be strengthened. Otherwise, the pressure of surplus livestock could ultimately translate into financial losses for farmers.
