Fisheries and Livestock Minister SM Rezaul Karim said on Wednesday that the country is experiencing a surplus of sacrificial animals, rather than a shortage.

“The total number of cattle available for sacrifice this year is 1,25,36,333, which is 4,11,944 more than the previous year,” he said during the inter-ministerial meeting on Wednesday at the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock's conference room in the secretariat.

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He further said that the estimated demand for sacrificial animals this year is 1,03,94,739, resulting in a surplus of 21,41,594 animals.

The distribution of sacrificial animals across different divisions is as follows: Dhaka division with 895,454, Chattogram division 20,53,128, Rajshahi division 45,11,614, Khulna division with 15,11,708, Barisal division with 4,93,206, Sylhet division 4,10,225, Rangpur division 19,62,951, and Mymensingh division 6,98,047 sacrificial cattle.

Rezaul Karim emphasised that the country's livestock production has increased significantly, making it self-sufficient and not reliant on imported animals.

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He said, “We will be able to meet the demand for sacrificial animals solely through domestically produced livestock. There will be no need to rely on animals from outside the country.”

Furthermore, the minister ensured that no diseased or sick animals would be allowed for sale in the Qurbani market this year. Similar to the previous year, veterinary medical teams will be deployed in animal markets nationwide to enforce this measure, he said.

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“To facilitate farmers, 999 helpline will assist farmers in selling their sacrificial animals in the market as per their choice, preventing any forceful transportation of animals along the roads. Local law enforcement agencies will be responsible for implementing necessary measures in this regard,” added the minister.

Regarding revenue collection, he clarified, “If a farmer sells animals from their farm, no revenue will be collected from them.”

Similarly, if a farmer sells animals from their residence, they will not be required to pay any proceeds, he said.

Additionally, if someone sells animals while on their way to the market, the lessee collector will not be authorised to forcibly collect payment or revenue from them.”