Over 1.23cr sacrificial animals ready for Qurbani: Minister

A sacrificial animal is beingh taken home from a market.

Dhaka, May 3 - A total of 1,23,33,840 sacrificial animals are ready in the country for Qurbani (sacrifice) during Eid-ul-Azha this year, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid said on Sunday.

“The total number of animals suitable for sacrifice has been estimated at 1,23,33,840, while the projected demand stands at 10,106,334,” he said while speaking at a press conference held at the Secretariat.

As a result, around 22,27,506 animals are likely to remain surplus this year, the minister added.

Citing the latest data from the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), he said the available animals include 56,95,878 cattle and buffaloes and 66,32,307 goats and sheep.

Besides, there are 5,655 animals of other species, such as camels and dumba (fat-tailed sheep).

The total availability of sacrificial animals was 1,24,47,337 during Eid-ul-Azha last year. At that time, it was initially estimated that there could be a surplus of over 20,68,000 animals.

However, actual figures showed that 91,36,734 animals were sacrificed, leaving a surplus of around 33.10 lakh.

State Minister Sultan Salauddin Tuku, Secretary Md Delwar Hossain, DLS Director General Md Shahzaman Khan were present at the press conference. - UNB