B Mirror Desk : Sylhet is experiencing an abundance of sacrificial animals in preparation for this year’s Eid-ul-Azha, with supply exceeding local demand, according to officials. The Department of Livestock reports that over 308,000 cattle, goats, sheep, and other animals are available for sacrifice in the division, while the estimated demand is approximately 271,500. This suggests that there will be no shortage of animals during the upcoming festival.

An official from the Department of Livestock in Sylhet stated, ‘There is no cause for concern regarding a potential crisis. Farmers and households have sufficient stock, and thousands more are brought in from other districts each year,’ as reported by UNB. In recent years, many expatriates from the region have preferred to sacrifice large bulls. Although locally available large animals are limited, cattle from Kishoreganj, Netrokona, Mymensingh, and Kushtia are expected to fulfill the demand, as has been the case in previous years, the official added.

Data from the Sylhet Divisional Livestock Office indicates that a total of 308,515 animals have been prepared for the occasion, including 130,756 bulls, 32,368 oxen, 37,392 cows, 5,420 buffaloes, 77,646 goats, 24,014 sheep, and 919 other animals. Dr. Maruf Hasan, Director of the Divisional Livestock Office, mentioned, ‘Our initial estimate indicates a demand for 271,500 sacrificial animals in the Sylhet division.

However, the actual demand may be slightly lower this time. Conversely, over 308,000 animals are available with farmers, so we do not expect any supply shortages during Eid.’ Additionally, the Department of Livestock has noted that the availability of domestically raised and farm-reared animals is greater than in previous years, which has decreased reliance on imported livestock or animals from distant districts.