There will be no shortage of cattle for Eid-ul-Adha: Livestock minister

Fisheries and Livestock Minister Abdur Rahman has said there will be no crisis of sacrificial animals during the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha when, supported by a supply of 1.3 crore cattle. 

His ministry will also move to stop extortion and middlemen's interference in the sacrificial animals' transport and trading, Rahman told a press conference at the secretariat on Sunday. 

"Some 1.25 crore cattle were supplied in the market Eid-ul-Adha last year. Out of this, 19 lakh remained unsold. This time a supply of 1.30 crore cattle is expected. It has already been confirmed after discussing with the farmers," he said. 

"With the festival nearing, opportunist groups try to manipulate the market. All preparations have been taken in advance very carefully to handle the middlemen. There is no shortage of livestock in the country," the minister said. 

Discussions are going on with the farmers so that the cattle market remains stable, while the price remains within people's purchasing power, he added. 

Rahman further said there has been no decision to import cattle targeting Eid-ul-Adha, adding that instructions will be given to the law enforcing agencies to prevent illegal entry of cattle through the borders.

Men behind Faridpur temple fire to be arrested soon 

In reply to a question, the livestock minister said an operation was underway to arrest the accused in the Faridpur temple fire case and the law enforcers would be able to detain them soon. 

Rahman is an elected Member of the Parliament from that area.

On 18 April, a fire broke out at Kalimandir in Panchpalli area of Dumain Union in Madhukhali Upazila of Faridpur. 

Two workers were then beaten to death on suspicion of setting the fire. An unusual calm has been prevailing in that area since then. 

The minister said three cases have been filed against 31 people in the incident. Thirteen people have already been arrested.