Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin announced today that the government will provide strong support to preserve the rawhides of sacrificial animals during the upcoming Holy Eid-ul-Azha. The goal is to ensure fair prices for these valuable hides.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting at the Bangladesh Secretariat, Sk. Bashir Uddin explained that the government will provide 30,000 metric tons of salt to madrasahs and orphanages. This will help them preserve the rawhides until they can secure fair prices.
“The orphans have rights on the rawhides of the sacrificial animals, and we held high-level meetings to ensure its fair price.”
Sk. Bashir Uddin, Commerce Adviser, Bangladesh
The government also plans to train people at madrasahs and orphanages on how to properly manage and preserve the rawhides. A video will be made and widely shared to raise awareness about preservation techniques.
In the past, rawhides were often sold at very low prices because of fears they would spoil. Sk. Bashir Uddin promised that this won’t happen this time.
He assured everyone that the Chief Adviser himself wants to make sure the poor receive fair prices for the hides. The commerce ministry is set to meet again tomorrow to finalize rawhide prices ahead of Eid.
During the meeting, it was also decided that buying and selling of sacrificial animals will only be allowed at designated markets. The discussion also covered the balance of demand and supply for sacrificial animals.
Sk. Bashir Uddin mentioned that the government might even allow the direct export of rawhides if fair prices are not reached in the local market.
Farida Akhter, Adviser to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, added that the ministry is working hard to make sure animals are transported safely, fair prices are set, and that no harmful substances are used to fatten the animals.
“The ministry is working tirelessly to prevent any violent acts related to sacrificial animals and to ensure that harmful medicines are not used for fattening them.”
Farida Akhter, Adviser to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Bangladesh
Lieutenant General (retd) Abdul Hafiz, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, said the Bangladesh Police and Highway Police will stay alert to prevent any extortion or trouble during the transport of sacrificial animals. The Bangladesh Army will also help maintain order.
A central cell and a hotline number, in addition to the usual 999 emergency line, will be active during this time to report any problems or incidents.
The government has also formed a high-level 17-member committee, led by Sk. Bashir Uddin, to ensure fair pricing for rawhides. This group will also handle animal transportation, waste management, and proper use of Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) in hide processing.
