Govt fixes rawhide prices ahead of Eid-ul-Azha

The government has announced fixed prices for sacrificial animal hides ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, aiming to safeguard the interests of farmers, madrasas, and the country’s leather industry.

The announcement was made today by Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir following a meeting held at the ministry’s conference room in the capital.

He said the decision was taken in line with directives from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who is closely overseeing arrangements to ensure proper management and utilization of rawhides during Eid.

Under the new rates, salted cowhide prices in Dhaka have been fixed between Tk 62 and Tk 67 per square foot, while outside the capital the range will be Tk 57 to Tk 62 per square foot.

For salted hides of castrated goats (khasi), the price has been set at Tk 25 to Tk 30 per square foot nationwide, whereas female goat hides (bakri) will be sold at Tk 22 to Tk 25 per square foot.

The minister clarified that these rates will 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 its timely supply to madrasas and designated preservation centres.

He noted that nearly one crore sacrificial animals are expected to be slaughtered during the festival, making proper hide preservation essential for the export-oriented leather sector.

The government has also introduced training programmes for butchers, meat traders, and madrasa representatives on proper slaughtering, skinning, and hide preservation techniques.

In addition, awareness campaigns are being run through television, newspapers, electronic media, and leaflets to promote proper handling of hides. In coordination with the Islamic Foundation, imams across the country will also provide guidance during Friday prayers and pre-Eid sermons.

Muktadir added that thousands of Qawmi madrasas depend heavily on income from sacrificial hides each year, and the government will continue to monitor hide collection and preservation activities nationwide throughout Eid.