Farida Akhter the Adviser to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, has said that Qurbani (Eid-ul-Adha sacrifice) is deeply tied to our emotions and religious values, and this year, the Qurbani economy is expected to exceed Tk 1 trillion (1 lakh crore).
She made the statement on Monday afternoon (May 26) while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled “Qurbani with Local Livestock: Responsibilities in Animal and Leather Management” held at the 3D Seminar Hall of Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB). The seminar was organized by the Bangladesh Agricultural Journalists Forum (BAJF).
Highlighting the resurgence of small-scale livestock farmers, Adviser Farida Akhter said,
“Local farmers have made a strong comeback in cattle rearing. During my recent visit to Rajshahi, I was amazed to see their confidence. They said there’s now a surplus of livestock.”
She further noted the growing interest in livestock farming in border regions:
“The trend of raising cows and goats has increased significantly in border areas. Times have changed, and now many women farmers and entrepreneurs are rearing livestock at home. As a result, our reliance on foreign animals for Qurbani is almost negligible now.”
On the potential of the leather industry, she said that a new horizon is opening up:
“The government has announced the free distribution of salt for preserving raw hides this year. The prices of raw hides have already been fixed. If needed, we will preserve raw hides and export them abroad.”
The seminar was presided over by BAJF President Golam Iftekhar Mahmud and moderated by BAJF General Secretary Sahanowar Said Shahin.
Read More: Two Bangladeshi Men Killed in South Africa the Night Before One Was Set to Fly Home
Distinguished guests included:
-
Tabith Awal, member of BNP’s National Executive Committee and Director of Lal Teer Livestock Development (BD) Ltd.
-
Samanta Sharmin, Senior Joint Convener of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP)
-
Mohammad Abdul Mannan, Chairman of First Security Islami Bank
-
Dr. Ali Afzal, Managing Director of Krishibid Group
-
Dr. Shakila Faruq, Director General of the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI)
-
Dr. Md. Boyzar Rahman, Director (Administration), Department of Livestock Services
In addition, the concept paper was presented by:
-
Dr. ABM Khaleduzzaman, Director (Production), Department of Livestock Services
-
Dr. Md. Jasim Uddin, Project Director of the Livestock and Dairy Development Project (LDDDP)
The seminar highlighted both the emotional significance and the massive economic potential of Qurbani, as well as the importance of empowering local farmers and strengthening the leather supply chain.
