Bangladesh government on Sunday said that more than adequate numbers of sacrificial animals—around 1.23 crore—are ready for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha in the country, ensuring no shortage.

Fisheries and Livestock and Agriculture minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid made the remarks at a press conference held at his ministry, adding that over 3,600 cattle markets would be set up across the country ahead of the one of biggest religious festivals of Muslims.

He said that the estimated demand for sacrificial animals this year has been set at 1.01 crore, while the total availability stands at 1.23 crore.

‘Against the estimated demand, over 22.27 lakh animals are likely to remain surplus this year, eliminating any possibility of shortage,’ he said.

Aminur Rashid said over 3,600 cattle markets would be set up across the country. Of them, in Dhaka, a total of 27 cattle markets have been designated, including 16 under Dhaka North City Corporation and 11 under Dhaka South City Corporation.

The minister said that the government would take a strict stance to prevent extortion from trucks carrying sacrificial animals.

Law enforcement agencies would remain active round the clock to ensure security in markets and for buyers and sellers, with plainclothes personnel also deployed if necessary, he added.

To protect local farmers, a policy decision has been taken to shut down cattle markets in border areas, he said, adding that in the past, illegal entry of foreign animals through such markets caused losses to domestic farmers.

The minister said that online trading of sacrificial animals would continue this year, and no taxes or market fees would be imposed on such sales.