Dhaka, Jun 03 (V7N) – Although all preparations have been completed and the markets are fully operational, the buying and selling of sacrificial animals at Gabtoli and Basila 40-foot cattle markets in the capital are yet to pick up momentum ahead of Eid al-Adha.

On-site visits revealed that while traders have brought a large number of animals—many of them premium local and foreign breeds—there is a significant shortage of buyers, and foot traffic remains mostly limited to curious visitors.

At Gabtoli, traders said rising costs of animal feed and transportation have driven up prices, leaving little room for negotiation. They remain optimistic that prices will improve as Eid draws nearer.

Notably, Haryana breed cows have been showcased near the market entrance, standing tall like royalty. Among the animals brought by three major traders—Altaf, Kashem, and Shahadat—are over 170 cows, including prominent ones named Sultan Raja, Gariyana Raj Sing, and Bahama.

While buyers were scarce, market visitors expressed satisfaction with Gabtoli’s overall management and hygiene.

Meanwhile, the Basila 40-foot cattle market in Mohammadpur is overflowing with animals—cows priced between Tk 60,000 and Tk 10 lakh are lined up, but again, buyers are hard to find. Each trader has reportedly brought 50 to 80 cows, yet many have not sold a single one in the past five days.

At one end of the Basila market stands Naogaon's Kala Babu, a massive Friesian bull weighing nearly 1,000 kg. Priced at Tk 10 lakh, this four-year-old cow has become a center of attention for visitors, though no buyer has stepped forward yet.

Khasi goats are also available in the Basila market, ranging in price from Tk 8,000 to Tk 40,000. However, some prospective buyers have complained that cattle prices are higher than expected this year.

Market organizers and leaseholders say they are expecting the real surge in trade to begin from Thursday (June 5), especially once the government holidays start. They believe that last-minute rush, typical of Eid markets, will help boost sales.

Until then, traders are passing time in idleness, some even napping under the midday sun as they wait for buyers to arrive.

END/MSS/AJ