The government has fixed the prices of sacrificial animal hides ahead of Eid-ul-Azha in a move aimed at protecting the interests of farmers, madrasas and the country’s leather industry.Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir announced the prices today after a meeting at the ministry’s conference room in the capital.He said the decision was taken following directives from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who is closely monitoring the issue to ensure proper management and utilization of rawhides during Eid.According to the fixed rates, salted cowhide prices in Dhaka have been set at Tk 62 to Tk 67 per square foot, while outside the capital the prices will range from Tk 57 to Tk 62 per square foot.
The prices of salted hides of castrated goats (khasi) have been fixed at Tk 25 to Tk 30 per square foot across the country, while female goat hides (bakri) will be sold at Tk 22 to Tk 25 per square foot.
The minister said the announced rates would apply only to properly salted hides.
To prevent wastage during Eid, the government will distribute salt free of cost through district and upazila administrations and ensure timely supply to madrasas and designated preservation centres.
Nearly one crore sacrificial animals are expected to be slaughtered during the festival, making proper hide preservation crucial for the export-oriented leather sector, he said.
The government has also launched training programmes for butchers, meat traders and madrasa representatives on proper slaughtering, skinning and hide preservation.
Awareness campaigns through television, newspapers, electronic media and leaflets are underway to encourage proper handling of hides. In coordination with the Islamic Foundation, imams across the country will also advise devotees on preservation methods during Friday prayers and pre-Eid sermons.
Muktadir said thousands of Qawmi madrasas depend heavily on income from sacrificial hides every year. He added that the government would continue monitoring hide collection and preservation activities nationwide during Eid.
