DHAKA, May 21, (V7N) – Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin today announced that the government will provide support for preserving the rawhides of sacrificial animals during the upcoming Holy Eid-ul-Azha until a fair price is secured for them.

"The orphans have rights on the rawhides of the sacrificial animals, and we held high-level meetings to ensure its fair price. We've decided to provide 30,000 metric tons of salt to the madrasahs and orphanages to preserve the rawhides until they can have fair prices," he stated.

The Commerce Adviser made these remarks while briefing reporters after the first meeting on ensuring proper management of Qurbani-related matters, held at the ministry conference room at Bangladesh Secretariat.

He added that training would be imparted to relevant personnel at madrasahs and orphanages on the management and preservation of rawhides. Furthermore, a video would be produced and widely circulated to create massive awareness on proper rawhide preservation techniques.

Bashir Uddin noted that in previous years, a large number of rawhides generated during Eid-ul-Azha were often sold at low prices due to fears of spoilage. "But, this won't happen this time," he assured.

He emphasized that the Chief Adviser himself desires that the poor receive a just price for the rawhides. The commerce ministry is scheduled to meet again tomorrow to finalize the rawhide prices ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

Regarding the outcomes of today's meeting, he said that they have decided to prohibit the buying and selling of sacrificial animals outside designated markets. The meeting also addressed the demand and supply aspects of sacrificial animals.

The Commerce Adviser also indicated that the government might consider allowing the direct export of rawhides if desired prices are not achieved in the local market.

Farida Akhter, Adviser to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, affirmed that fair market practices, equitable transportation, and just prices for sacrificial animals would be ensured this time. She added that her 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.

Lieutenant General (retd) Abdul Hafiz, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser (CA), stated that the Bangladesh Police, particularly the Highway Police, would remain vigilant to address incidents of extortion targeting vehicles transporting sacrificial animals. He also noted that Bangladesh Army personnel would remain active to support these efforts.

The CA's Special Assistant added that a central cell and a hotline number, alongside the existing 999 emergency number, would be operational during this period, through which anyone can lodge complaints regarding any untoward incidents.

Earlier, a high-level 17-member committee was formed to ensure fair pricing for sacrificial animal hides during the upcoming Holy Eid-ul-Azha. The committee, led by Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin, will also oversee animal transportation, waste management, and the proper use of Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) in hide processing.

END/MSS/RH/