Eid-ul-Azha
Zilhajj moon sighted: Bangladesh to celebrate Eid-ul-Azha on June 29
The holy Eid-ul-Azha, the second biggest religious festival of the Muslims, will be celebrated in the country on June 29 with due solemnity and religious fervour as the moon of the holy month of Zilhaj was sighted in the Bangladesh sky on Monday.
The decision was made at a meeting of the National Moon Sighting Committee after reviewing information about the sighting of Zilhaj moon, said a press release of Islamic Foundation.
Eid-ul-Azha 2023: Saudi Arabia sets June 28 as date
The meeting was held at the office of Islamic Foundation at Baitul Mukarram in the evening.
Saudi Arabia will celebrate Eid-ul-Azha on June 28 this year.
Eid holidays extended to 4-day
30 lakh Eid holidaymakers to leave Dhaka, adjacent districts by waterways: Nat’l Committee
Though the number of passengers heading to greater Barishal has reduced around 30 lakh people from Dhaka and surrounding districts will leave for coastal districts by waterways during the upcoming Eid.
Among them, three lakh travellers will go through Narayanganj river port and the remaining 27 lakh by Dhaka river port’s Sadarghat launch terminal.
Sadarghat will face unusual pressure of homebound people, according to a pre-Eid observation report of the National Committee to Protect Shipping, Roads and Railways.
Mohammad Shahid Mia, president of organisation and its general secretary Ashis Kumar Dey on Sunday published the summary of the report through a press release.
90 lakh Eid holidaymakers to leave Dhaka by road: SCRF
The National Committee has recommended raising the number of vessels in alternative way by the government to handle the pressure of additional passengers and ensure hassle-free and safe Eid journey.
The report said about 1.5 crore people will leave Dhaka, Gazipur and Narayanganj during Eid-ul-Azha.
Among them, 30 lakh (20 percent of the total passengers) will go by launch during this Eid. Most of these passengers are from the coastal districts of Barisal, Pirojpur, Jhalkathi, Barguna, Bhola, Patuakhali, Chandpur, Shariatpur and Madaripur, it said.
Eid-ul-Azha 2023: 1,76,690 sacrificial animals ready in Chapainawabganj
According to the report, the rush of home-bound people will start from June 22, the last working day of the previous week of Eid-ul-Azha. All waterway passengers from greater Dhaka region will go home in 7 days from 22 to 26 June (the day before Eid).
However, about 15 percent (4.50 lakh) people, including students and housewives, will leave Dhaka before the start of the Eid journey.
At least 25.50 lakh passengers will go to their destination by waterways from June 22 to June 28. Out of this, 22.85 will be start journey from Sadarghat terminal, the report said.
Referring to the crisis of navigability, the report said that there are 41 waterways officially from Dhaka to various destinations.
However, at least 15 waterways have apparently already been abandoned due to navigability crisis and lack of passengers.
Citing the shortage of vessels, the national committee said that maximum 70 launches regularly operate on the remaining 26 waterways. This number will increase to around 180 before Eid. Out of this, 90 vessels will depart from Sadarghat for various destinations and 90 will arrive from different places.
Ferrying of non-perishable goods to remain suspended for 7 days during Eid: Khalid
The civic organisation also said, if 3.27 lakh passengers are carried in 90 launches every day, one launch will carry almost 3,642 passengers on an average. But none of the launches has capacity to carry more than 2,000 people. Even many launches have capacity of carrying less than 1,000. In addition, in three days before Eid, the crowd will increase one and a half times more.
Many launches carry double to triple passengers beyond the capacity to handle the pressure. As a result, additional passengers will be carried on roof and deck, the report said.
The organization stressed the need for taking appropriate measures by the authorities concerned to reduce the risks of waterway accidents and public sufferings.
It urged the authorities concerned including the law enforcement agencies to ensure maximum surveillance and tight security on the waterways and the terminals.
Eid-ul-Azha 2023: 4 Bangladeshi Online Cattle Markets to Check Out this Eid
Qurbani Eid 2023 festival is just around the corner. Like every year, Muslims in Bangladesh are eager to purchase sacrificial animals. However, visiting the animal haat (markets) physically to buy sacrificial animals during this sweltering summer heat can be a daunting task for many. Keeping all this in mind, different online platforms are once again starting online cattle markets.
4 Online Cattle Markets in Bangladesh for Eid-ul-Azha 2023
Purchasing sacrificial animals online has become more common nowadays, and fortunately, there are online Qurbani haat available in Bangladesh. Let’s explore these “digital haat” in detail.
Bikroy Birat Haat Powered by Minister
To celebrate the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, Bikroy.com, a renowned platform for buying and selling livestock, has joined hands with Minister Hi-Tech Park Ltd., a well-known manufacturer of electronics and home appliances, and OPPO Bangladesh, a global mobile manufacturing company. Together, they have organized a Qurbani campaign called ‘Bikroy Birat Haat Powered by Minister.’
Read more: Eid-ul-Azha 2023: Cumilla to have a surplus of 8,606 sacrificial animals, says livestock dept
Just like every Eid-ul-Azha, Bikroy is once again offering a special collection of farm animals exclusively for its valued customers. The Bikroy website already showcases over 1,600 advertisements for livestock.
To boost the popularity of Bikroy online haat, like every year, the company also launched the Birat Haat Contest. However, this year the contest will be different. Minister has taken on the role of Title Sponsor for the seventh consecutive time, while OPPO has joined as an Associate Partner for the first time. To participate in the Birat Haat contest, individuals are required to create a video following the theme song of Birat Haat along with its catchy dance step. The video should be shared on either one or all of the respective Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube profiles with the #BiratHaat2023 caption.
Additionally, participants are also required to submit the video link to the Bikroy Blog site. Among the submitted videos, 18 lucky winners will be chosen based on their entertainment value and uniqueness.
Read more: PM accepts cow as gift from couple for Eid-ul-Azha sacrifice
For the Member contest, 15 winners will be selected from sellers across all categories who have the highest number of ads, the most views, and ad responses. All winners will be rewarded with exciting prizes such as refrigerators, LED TVs, smartphones, and more, with a total value of BDT 6 lakh, sponsored by Minister Hi-Tech Park Ltd. and OPPO Bangladesh.
Bengal Meat Qurbani
On June 1 of this year, Bengal Meat announced the launch of the Qurbani portal for the 9th consecutive year. They sell organic grass-fed cattle, offering a unique and distinct option for customers.
Customers have the convenience of ordering their preferred cattle through the online platform, and the cattle are then delivered while maintaining the necessary quality.
Sadeeq Agro
Popular livestock farm Sadeeq Agro also arranged online cattle haat this year. The buyers can check their website to order any cattle they like. The site provides weight, and all other required information regarding the cattle. However, buyers can also visit their farm to see the cow and verify the weight.
Read more: Bhaijan now coming to Jashore
Qurbani cows can be ordered up to 7 days before Eid-ul-Azha. However, the buyer will be required to pay 10% in advance. The cost of cows vary as per the weight. After the order, Sadeeq Agro will deliver according to the customer’s preferred date. The best thing about Sadeeq Agro is that they do not have any delivery charges. And they deliver anywhere in the Dhaka metropolitan area.
Khaas Food
This year, Khaas Food has launched an Online Qurbani Haat, aiming to provide a convenient platform for purchasing sacrificial animals. It features a diverse selection of cows sourced from numerous farms and breeds. Each cow comes with detailed information, including weight, age, height, feed, gender, and colour.
Additionally, Khaas Food ensures transparency and clarity regarding the health of the cattle by specifying the vaccines they have received. To secure a booking, customers are required to make an upfront payment of 50% via bKash or credit card, with the remaining amount due before delivery. Delivery of sacrificial animals will be completed in 2-4 days before Eid. BDT 3000 is applicable for delivery charges. In this case, the delivery will be done according to the order of booking and the customer’s demand.
Final Words
For the last few years, the trend of Online Qurbani Haat in Bangladesh has revolutionized the way people participate in the tradition of animal sacrifice. The digital platform provides convenience, accessibility, and a wide range of options for individuals looking to purchase sacrificial animals. However, it is upon the buyers, to check all the detailed information such as breed, weight, age, height, feed, gender, and colour before purchasing a cattle. Thus, buyers can choose the best sacrificial animals from the online cattle markets for the holy occasion of Eid-ul-Azha.
Read more: With Eid-ul-Azha approaching, Khulna cattle famers distraught over price hike of fodder
Lumpy skin disease kills around 300 cows in Sylhet’s Kanaighat upazila, farmers worried ahead of Eid-ul-Azha
Hundreds of cattle in Kanaighat upazila of Sylhet district have contracted lumpy skin disease — causing grave concern among farmers ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.
Some 300 cows infected with lumpy skin disease have died in the upazila; cattle farmers and those who rear cows at home are facing huge losses as a result.
Sources said, the viral disease has been noticed in most cattle farms in the upazila. Cattle farmers are particularly worried considering the Eid-ul-Azha season, as they have been rearing the animals for the occasion.
Due to the outbreak of the virus, no cattle market has been set up in the upazila.
Cattle farmers worry over spread of lumpy skin disease
The viral disease is being noticed in Laxmiprashad West, Laxmiprashad East, Dighirpar East, Satbak and the municipality area.
The veterinarians in the Upazila Livestock Hospital are struggling to provide medical treatment to the cattle.
Talking to owners and farmers of different cattle farms, UNB’s Sylhet correspondent learnt that lumpy skin disease had spread in the area two and a half months ago.
At first, small lumps were seen on the cows and later the lumps were swollen. At one stage, reddish holes appeared on the cows’ skin, the farmers described.
Workshop discusses measures to prevent lumpy skin disease
The infected cows cannot be fed properly as their throats also swell up, they added.
Most of the infected cows die due to gradual weakening.
It is a highly contagious virus, but the affected cattle can be cured after a few months of proper treatment.
Dr. Nabanita Sarkar Tonni, in-charge of Kanaighat Upazila Livestock Hospital, said most of the cattle in the locality are being infected with the virus and there is no vaccine and medicine for its treatment.
Lumpy skin disease causes concern for Faridpur cattle farmers
The authorities concerned of the hospital have already circulated leaflets and made announcements about the outbreak of lumpy skin disease. A meeting has also been arranged in each union with farmers and farm owners over the issue, she said.
“Despite manpower shortage, we are providing treatment to the infected cattle. It takes 3-4 months for the cows to be fully cured and the farmers have been asked to have patience,” she added.
Dr Nabanita also advised the farmers to keep their cows under nets, so that the virus is not spread to healthy animals.
The Fisheries and Livestock Ministry suggested checking mosquito breeding in farm areas and using antipyretic, antibiotic and antihistamine from registered veterinarians to control the disease.
Read more: Eid-ul-Azha 2023: 1,76,690 sacrificial animals ready in Chapainawabganj
Eid-ul-Azha 2023: Cumilla to have a surplus of 8,606 sacrificial animals, says livestock dept
In preparation for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, a total of 33,937 farmers in Cumilla are currently rearing sacrificial animals and concerned authorities said there will be a surplus of approximately 8,000 animals.
According to the Cumilla District Department of Livestock, the demand for sacrificial animals in 17 upazilas of the district is estimated to be 2,20,492. The district already has 2,29,098 animals, resulting in a surplus of 8,606 animals for the entire district.
Also Read: PM accepts cow as gift from couple for Eid-ul-Azha sacrifice
A recently conducted survey indicated that Laksam upazila is leading in animal rearing in the district.
A total of 2,592 farmers in this upazila are rearing 21,000 sacrificial animals, surpassing the upazila's demand by 7,500. Similarly, Meghna Upazila has 1,605 farmers who have reared 9,839 animals for sacrifice, exceeding the upazila's demand by 2,400.
However, certain upazilas are facing shortage of animals. Chauddagram is experiencing a shortage of 273 animals, Nangalkot 608, Chandina 426, Debidwar 4,335, Homna 395, and Sadar South 1,039.
Also read: Muggers snatch Tk 2.5 lakh after killing cattle trader in Bogura
Cumilla's Livestock Training Officer, Chandan Kumar Poddar, said, “In upazilas facing shortages, animals are often sourced from neighbouring upazilas or districts. Due to Cumilla's geographical importance, cows are transported by trucks from across the country, including neighbouring districts.”
Concerns were voiced by Rubel Sardar, a farmer from Barura's Jhalam area, who said, “We are facing losses as the price of animal feed continues to rise. Additionally, the entry of cows from India could further deteriorate the market.”
Md. Nazrul Islam, an official from the Department of Livestock, said there is no possibility of a shortage of sacrificial animals in Cumilla. “Additionally, we will establish a medical team in the haat (market), and the cooperation of the market committee will be crucial in this regard,” he said.
Also Read: Jashore’s ‘Lalu Palowan’ worth Tk 5 lakh
PM accepts cow as gift from couple for Eid-ul-Azha sacrifice
Bulbul Ahmed, a farmer of Charkauna village of Pakundia upazila of Kishoreganj district, and his wife Israt Jahan, reared a cow as a gift to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for sacrifice in Eid-ul-Azha.
The Prime Minister has agreed to accept this cow as a gift out of respect for their love.
Read more: Bhaijan now coming to Jashore
On Friday (June 09) evening, Prime Minister's special assistant Moshiur Rahman Humayun informed the Prime Minister about the matter. At that time the Prime Minister agreed to accept the cow as a gift.
Bulbul Ahmed is the organising secretary of Kishoreganj District of Awami Matsyajibi League.
Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Jahid Tusher confirmed the matter.
He said that the Prime Minister was happy and thanked Bulbul Ahmed and his wife for their rare love.
Also read: Muggers snatch Tk 2.5 lakh after killing cattle trader in Bogura
Tushar said that the prime minister's wish is that this cow will remain at Bulbul Ahmed's house and will be sacrificed there during Eid-ul-Azha.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina requested them to distribute the sacrificial beef among the local poor and helpless people.
Ahmed's cow is cross Brahma breed. He said that this cow can have approximately 800 kilogram of meat.
Ahmed said that he bought this cow from Netrakona district for Tk 2.5 lakh as a gift for the Prime Minister in 2020.
Also read" Eid ul Azha: Online cattle buying likely to reach new heights amid pandemic
After buying the cow, he also decided to donate Tk 5000 in the famous Pagla mosque of Kishoreganj district so that his cow would remain healthy.
Ahmed said that he and his wife Israt Jahan, who is working as a field worker at Pally Sanchay Bank, bought this cow for the prime minister by taking a small loan from the Awami League government's ‘One house, One farm’ project and with their own deposit. They took care of the cow closely for the last three years.
Ahmed said, out of passion and love for the Prime Minister, they bought and nurtured this cow.
Also read: 'Chita Bagh' of Khulna: An early entrant for King of the Haat this Eid ul Azha
Ahmed thanked and expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for agreeing to accept his cow as a gift.
Bhaijan now coming to Jashore
Bhaijan, hearing the name one can think about uttering the name of the Hindi cinema ‘Bhaijan’ but here the matter is different. A bull named ‘Bhaijan’ is now the talk of the town in Jashore.
Already people from different parts of the district have been thronging at the house of one Mahidul Zaman Kajal of Sitarampur village in Sadar upazila, who reared the 10 feet long and 5.8 inches height cow at his farm.
Currently, the big bull weighs around 1,356 kg.
Mahidul demanded Tk 18 lakh for Bhaijan.
Read: Kalo Manik: The big bull that's ready to charge this Eid!
According to the district livestock department, of the big size bulls reared in the district, Bhaijan is the largest among all.
“I bought Bhaijan, an Australian Frisian variety cow, when he was six-month old at a cost of Tk 69,000. I kept him with other cattle in my farm,” said Mahidul.Gradually he was named as ‘Bhaijan’ following his healthy and fit body size, he said.
He ate food weighing 10-12 kg in a day and he gets showers three days in a week with shampoo, said the cattle farmer.
Quamrul Islam, a worker of the farm, said “We reared ‘Bhaijan’ as our child and two people remained to stand by him round the clock.”
Read: Samrat: The king bull of Chapainawabganj
Many people visited the farm to catch a glimpse of ‘Bhaijan’ and some of them took selfies with him.
District Livestock Officer Rashedul Haque said, 'I have visited the farm of Mahidul and he is rearing his cow using organic methods properly.’
This year, a total of 35,000 cows and 60,500 goats have been prepared in 9,000 small and big size farms ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, he said.
Read more: With Eid-ul-Azha approaching, Khulna cattle famers distraught over price hike of fodder
Ferrying of non-perishable goods to remain suspended for 7 days during Eid: Khalid
The government has decided to suspend ferrying of goods except perishable ones and cattle for seven days before and after the Eid-ul-Azha, said State Minister for Shipping Ministry Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury.
The minister came up with the information while talking to reporters after a meeting over the movement of vessels ahead of Eid-ul-Azha at the Secretariat on Wednesday.
The suspension will remain in force from three days before or after the day of Eid-ul-Azha, he said.
Also read: BIWTC announces 20pc rise in ferry, ship fare
There will be no restriction on carrying motorbikes, he added.
With Eid-ul-Azha approaching, Khulna cattle famers distraught over price hike of fodder
Many cattle farmers in the Khulna district have been rearing animals for sacrifice during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha and earn some profit, but now it seems difficult due to the exorbitant price of feed and fodder.
They are concerned as the cattle rearing cost has increased manifold.
Some farmers claimed that the price of cattle feed is increasing every week, making it difficult for the farmers to cope and shattering their hopes of earning some profit.
During a recent visit to the local market, this correspondent found that one sack of wheat husk, weighing 37 kg, is being sold at Tk 1,950 while a sack of paddy husk, weighing 50 kg, is being sold at Tk 850-900.
Also read: Jashore cattle farms: Huge sacrificial animals, fewer buyers
Besides, one sack of mustard oil cake, weighing 37 kg is being sold at Tk 1450-1500 while one sack of granular feed, weighing 25 kg, is being sold at Tk 1380-1400.
One kg of soybean oil cake is being sold at Tk 85 while a fist of straw is being sold at Tk 8.
Asaduzzaman, a local farmer who was busy cutting grass for his cattle from the Shaheed Sheikh Abu Naser Hospital field, said, “It is difficult to find long grass for cattle and we are struggling to feed them due to the price hike of fodder. As an alternative, I came here to collect some grass which is not sufficient for my cattle.”
Riyad Hossain, another cattle farmer, said, “I have five cattle but now only three are available at my farm. I have decided to sell two ahead of Eid-ul-Azha as day by day it is becoming difficult for farmers to survive in this business due to the high price of cattle feed.”
A healthy ox needs feed worth Tk 200 and farmers are now at a huge loss due to other expenses as well, he said.
Even farmers who have had cattle farms for a long time, have now reached the stage of giving up this business, he added.
The prices of milk and beef have increased, but the farmers are hardly making any profit, they said. If this continues, small cattle farms may disappear at some point, said Riyad.
Contacted, Dr Arun Kanti Mandal, District Fisheries and Livestock officer, said the price of fodder and animal feed is increasing and no steps have been taken yet from the government.
He also blamed some unscrupulous businessmen behind the price hike.
“We are providing financial support to the cattle farmers but we advised them to grow grass on their land as an alternative feed for cattle, which can reduce the rearing costs,” he said.
Bangladesh receives $1.64 billion remittance in 21 days of July:BB
Bangladesh received US $1642.75 million (1.64 billion) inward remittance till July 21, thanks to Eid-ul-Azha when Bangladeshi migrants sent more money to families to celebrate one of the biggest festival of Muslims, according to data from Bangladesh Bank.
It means, on an average the expatriates sent $78.22 million remittance in to the country during July 01-21, the opening month of the fiscal year 2022-23.
In June, the last month of the fiscal year, the expatriates sent home $1.83 billion remittance through the banking channel, said the BB figures available on Monday.
Also read: Digitalization: Global remittances flows expected to reach US$5.4 trillion by 2030
Bangladesh received the highest $24.77 billion remittance in FY2020-21, amid global travel restrictions amid Covid-19 pandemic.
In FY 22 remittance income fell to $21.03 billion following the lifting of travel restrictions and sending of money through unofficial channels, people involved with the issue said.
The sector insiders and experts suspected that around $2 billion remittances entered Bangladesh through unofficial routes despite stimulus incentives offered by the government to use official channel.
Also read: Cash incentive on remittance to remain unchanged at 2.5 per cent
Sources said a good number of Bangladeshi workers in the Middle East, Malaysia, the USA and Europe failed to send money through proper baking channels for lack of valid documents.
This led to the increasing use of illegal hundi and other informal channels by the expatriates, they said speaking on conditioned they can’t be identified.
According to BB, during July 1 and 21 , six state-owned bank received $254.92 million inward remittance, 2 specialized banks received $27.69 million, and 41 private commercial banks received $1356.22 million while 9 foreign commercial banks received $3.94 million.