Cattle sales get momentum

Cattle sales have started to gain momentum in the port city as Eid-ul-Azha inches closer. Although activities in seven cattle markets managed by Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) began in July 1, traders said sales would reach their peak after July 6.

There are three permanent cattle markets in the city -- Sagarika Cattle Market, Bibirhat Cattle Market and Postar Par Goat Market. In addition, there are four temporary cattle markets -- Karnafuli Cattle Market, the field adjacent to Saltgola Railway Crossing, Khejurtola field adjacent Patenga Link Road and the field adjacent to Butterfly Park in South Patenga.

Abdul Hannan came to Bibirhat Cattle Market with 20 oxen. He was demanding a price between Tk 1.5 lakh and Tk 4.5 lakh for each one. He said he has sold one ox in the last three days.

"Customers ask for the price but none seem interested to make their purchase at the moment," he said. "Usually, sales increase three or four days before Eid."

Rezaul Karim Liton, a representative of Bibirhat Cattle Market leasing company, said, "In cities, many don't have the space to accommodate sacrificial animals or the time to feed them, take care of them for six to seven days. Thus, they prefer to purchase two to three days before Eid," he said

Rozdar Mandal, a cattle trader, brought 15 oxen with him from Kushtia at the Karnafuli cattle market -- setting the price between Tk 2.5 lakh and 4.5 lakh for each.

One of his oxen, weighing 12-mounds and named "Lal Badsha" was priced at Tk 5 lakh. Many buyers and visitors were coming to the temporary cattle market to see the ox.

Rozdar said, "I've taken care of them for the last one and a half years. Everyone's bargaining the price of 'Lal Badsha' but I won't sell it under Tk 5 lakh."

Meanwhile, Sagarika Cattle Market was abuzz with buyers and sales have already gained momentum there.

Ariful Islam, a representative of the market leasing company, said a total of 80 bulls and oxen and over a thousand goats have already been sold there till Sunday.

Meanwhile, sales in the small markets in the vicinities, lanes, and by-lanes have also been gaining crowd. One of these markets, set up on KB Aman Ali Road set up with around 80 cattle and was seen quite crowded with buyers.