Livestock Availability for Eid-ul-Azha 2025

The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has reported that approximately 12.45 million sacrificial animals are available nationwide. This includes around 5.6 million cattle and buffaloes, 6.8 million goats and sheep, and over 5,500 animals of other species. This supply exceeds the expected demand, resulting in a surplus of about 2.06 million animals.

Ban on Cattle Imports

Given the surplus, the government has imposed a complete ban on cattle imports for this year’s Eid-ul-Azha. Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter announced that no animals will be allowed to enter the country, legally or illegally, to protect the domestic livestock industry .

Progress Toward Self-Sufficiency

Bangladesh’s journey to self-sufficiency in meat production has been ongoing for several years. In the fiscal year 2022, the country produced over 9.3 million tonnes of meat against an annual demand of nearly 7.5 million tonnes . This achievement is attributed to increased domestic cattle rearing, especially after India’s 2014 ban on cattle exports, which encouraged local farmers to invest more in livestock .

Support for Local Farmers

The government is actively supporting local farmers by facilitating the transportation of sacrificial animals through special trains and deploying veterinary teams across cattle markets to ensure animal health and welfare . These measures aim to ensure a smooth and safe Eid-ul-Azha for both farmers and consumers.

In conclusion, Bangladesh’s proactive measures and robust livestock sector have ensured that the country is well-prepared for Eid-ul-Azha 2025 without the need for cattle imports.