Along with sacrificial animals, the sale of other related accessories including straws, husks, cattail (hogla) mats, tree stump butcher blocks and decorative garlands has increased in Dhaka.
Since cattle markets started being organised, the seasonal sellers have arranged streetside stalls of these products in different areas of Dhaka.
However, the sellers said business is down this year due to rain. Even if sales pick up, the profits remain low as they are not getting the expected price.
While visiting the various markets and areas of Dhaka, this correspondent found that paddy straw, an essential cattle feed, is being sold at Tk 20-25 per bundle while wheat husks are being sold at Tk 60-70 per kg.
Tree stump butcher blocks used for chopping meat are being sold at Tk 500-700 per piece according to size and tree variety.
Cattail mats are being sold at Tk 250-300 per piece. Colourful garlands used to decorate the cattle are being sold at Tk 20-50 per piece.
Aminul Islam, a cattle feed seller in the Shegunbagicha area said cattle feed is not commonly available in kitchen markets of the city so the demand for these products is good ahead of Eid.
“I sell rice and wheat bran and straw every year during Eid-ul-Azha in this area. I use the additional profit for Eid shopping. Sales are increasing ahead of Eid, but it is not as expected,” he said.
Nayem, a tree stump blocks seller in the Gopibag area said, the price and quality of butcher’s blocks vary depending on the type of tree.
“The stump of the tamarind tree is the best in the market. Demand for these increases during Eid as many people assist in the meat processing along with the butcher,” he said, adding that he had sold three till Tuesday out of the 10 stumps bought from the wholesale market.
