Mohammad Masud Majumder:Â
Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Amin Ur Rashid today said that a significant contribution can be made to the national economy if the hides and other by-products of sacrificial animals are properly preserved and managed alongside the meat.
The minister made the remarks as the chief guest while addressing a training workshop titled “Qurbani Management Workshop-2026 (Meat Processors, Hide Preservers, and Veterinary Medical Teams)” at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) in the capital. The Department of Livestock Services (DLS) organised the event.
Lauding the responsible role of veterinary medical teams, livestock officials, and stakeholders, the minister said, “Your active participation in ensuring the health safety of sacrificial animals and managing cattle markets is highly commendable.”
He noted that a vast number of people are involved in animal slaughtering, flaying, meat processing, and distribution during Eid-ul-Azha. “In this reality, there is no alternative to developing a skilled workforce. Especially in sensitive tasks like skinning, the absence of trained hands damages the quality of the hides, thereby reducing their market value,” he added.
The minister suggested that a skilled workforce could be built for the Qurbani season by bringing madrassa students and local youths under specialised training programmes. This initiative, he said, would not only enhance the quality of the hides but also create short-term income opportunities and boost the technical skills of the students. He also mentioned that the government would consider running year-round training programmes to eliminate skill shortages during Qurbani.
Highlighting that the majority of Qurbani hides are donated to madrassas, the minister stated that government assistance, including the supply of necessary salt for hide preservation, remains ongoing. Proper cleaning of fat, timely application of salt, and ensuring scientific preservation will upgrade the quality of the leather and further expand foreign exchange earnings.
He further stated that Bangladesh is currently self-sufficient in producing sacrificial animals, and domestic production is well-equipped to meet national demands. Emphasising the need for public awareness against purchasing animals smuggled or illegally brought into the country to protect domestic farmers and national interests, he urged everyone to act responsibly.
The minister expressed optimism that through public awareness, training, and coordinated initiatives, Qurbani management will be further upgraded, boosting the livestock sector’s contribution to the national economy.
Speaking as the special guest, Fisheries and Livestock State Minister Sultan Salauddin Tuku emphasised the need to build social and religious awareness regarding whether it is appropriate to perform Qurbani with illegally imported animals.
The state minister stressed the urgency of coordinated initiatives to raise awareness about animal purchasing and management, protect domestic farmers, and ensure the proper preservation and marketing of hides.
“Despite having a surplus production compared to the demand for sacrificial animals in the country, illegal entry of livestock from neighbouring countries occurs through smuggling routes,” the state minister said, urging citizens to boycott smuggled animals to safeguard local farmers’ interests.
He further added that the country’s vast population should be treated as an asset rather than a burden. Stressing the importance of engaging the youth in skill development, productivity, and positive activities, he urged everyone to stay alert against drugs and social degradation.
“No activities detrimental to national interests will be tolerated,” the state minister warned, calling upon all stakeholders to play a responsible role in protecting domestic production, farmers, and the national economy. He noted that through collective efforts, it is entirely possible to build a prosperous and beautiful Bangladesh for future generations.
Presided over by the Director General of the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), Md. Shahzaman Khan, the workshop was also addressed by the Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Md. Delwar Hossain.
Earlier, Director of the department Dr. Md. Boyzar Rahman delivered the welcome address, while Director Dr. Begum Shamsunnahar Ahmed and Director Dr. A. B. M. Khaleduzzaman presented the keynote paper.
Senior officials of the ministry and the department, meat processors, hide preservers, and members of the veterinary medical teams were present at the workshop.
Views: 5
