With only one day left for Eid-ul-Azha, cattle sales have gained momentum at livestock markets across Dhaka South City. However, traders say sales at the traditional Dholaikhal cattle market remain below expectations due to a gap between buyers and sellers.
A visit to the Dholaikhal cattle market adjacent to Sadeque Hossain Khoka Field on Tuesday showed that cattle stalls have extended along Dholaikhal Road from the Raishaheb Bazar intersection, beyond the designated area of the Dhaka South City Corporation.
Hundreds of cattle brought from different districts were seen lined up, with traders waiting for buyers.
Alongside domestic cattle, large sacrificial animals were also on display. Visitors were seen inspecting animals, bargaining, and moving around with family members to choose their sacrificial livestock. The market gradually gained momentum from noon, with traders expecting higher sales in the afternoon and evening.
Trader Sultan Khan, who brought 11 cattle from Dashmina in Patuakhali, said he had sold five animals but was not getting expected prices.
“I did not get the price I expected in Dhaka. Sometimes village markets offer better prices,” he said.
Another trader, Enamul, who brought 19 cattle from Jamalpur, said he had sold only one animal so far.
“Many buyers are offering prices lower than my purchase cost. Only Allah knows whether I will be able to sell all the cattle,” he said.
Buyers, meanwhile, said traders were still reluctant to reduce prices. Russell Ahmed said he spent about an hour at the market but could not make a purchase.
“Prices are still high. It seems they may come down later,” he said.
However, some buyers said prices remained reasonable compared to previous years. Abdul Mannan, who bought a cow for Tk2 lakh, said livestock prices were not unusually high.
“With the increase in prices of everything, cattle prices are still manageable,” he said.
Sobhan Sikder said sellers were not lowering prices yet.
“They are asking high prices. If many cattle remain unsold, prices may fall later,” he said.
First-time buyer Abu Sayeed said he had been searching for over an hour.
“You can only buy if the price matches. But choosing the right animal is also important,” he said.
Traders also cited higher costs of feed, transport, and rearing as reasons for maintaining prices. They added that recent rain had caused some inconvenience in market operations.
Md Jewel, a member of the market management committee, said sufficient cattle were available and sales were ongoing.
“Many sellers are still waiting for better prices as Eid is approaching. Overall, law and order and market management are satisfactory,” he said.
Law enforcement agencies were seen maintaining security and monitoring market activities to ensure safety for both buyers and sellers.
With Eid approaching, both crowds and transaction pressure are expected to increase further in the capital’s cattle markets.
