With Eid-ul-Azha just around the corner, makeshift and seasonal markets selling slaughtering accessories, animal feed and decorative items have sprung up across alleyways and intersections in the port city.
For low-income people, day labourers and van drivers, this short-lived trade has brought a welcome opportunity to earn some extra income ahead of the festival.
A festive rush was seen in areas such as Chawkbazar, Jamalkhan, Anderkilla and Bahaddarhat, where vendors have set up temporary stalls on footpaths, vans and pushcarts. They are showcasing a wide array of items, including wooden tree stumps (khatia), bamboo mats (chatai), dry straw, fresh grass and various types of animal feed.
Among the items, tree stumps used for chopping meat are in the highest demand. Stumps made from tamarind wood are the top choice for buyers due to their durability and strength. Depending on the size, smaller stumps are selling for Tk 200 to Tk 300, while medium and large ones are fetching up to Tk 700.
“I usually drive a van, but for the last few days, I invested some capital to sell tamarind wood stumps here,” said Shiplu, a seasonal trader in a lane in Jamalkhan.
“The sales are good, and the extra money will help my family celebrate Eid a bit better,” he added.
He said he was selling tree stumps for between Tk 250 and Tk 700, depending on their sizes.
Alongside the stumps, bamboo mats are also drawing a large number of buyers. These mats, essential for placing and distributing meat after sacrifice, are being sold for Tk 300 to Tk 400 each based on size.
Ali Akbar, a trader from the Firingi Bazar area, said he had been engaged in this seasonal business for the past 10 years.
“I am a rickshaw puller, but during the Eid season, I get the opportunity to earn some extra money for my family through selling bamboo mats,” he said.
As buyers bring their sacrificial animals home, the demand for animal feed has also surged. Temporary shops are stocked with rice bran, wheat bran, pulse husks, crushed maize, salt, dry straw and green grass to cater to urban cattle owners who need to feed their animals until Eid day.
Humayun Kabir, who came to buy animal feed in the Anderkilla area, said a festive atmosphere could be seen everywhere as people were buying animal feed and slaughtering accessories in streets and alleyways.
The markets have also taken on a colourful look with decorative items for cattle. Children and families are crowding stalls to buy paper garlands, tinsel ribbons and small bells to decorate cows and goats, adding a vibrant touch to the spiritual preparations.
Traders expect crowds and sales to peak further in the final two days leading up to Eid-ul-Azha.
