Bargaining Over Cow Ends After Two Hours, Final Sale Price Revealed
Photo Collected
Swarms of potential buyers converged on Chittagong’s Sagarika cattle market Tuesday, navigating muddy pathways and persistent downpours in search of the perfect animal for Eid al-Adha. Amidst the cacophony of bleating livestock and impassioned price negotiations, a sixty-year-old farmer named Mohammad Khalil stood by two cattle he had personally raised, a testament to his dedication.
Khalil, who hails from the Bhatiary Union in Sitakunda, arrived at the bustling market in the pre-dawn hours with his son, Md. Tasibul Islam, aiming to secure a favorable sale. They found a spot on the roadside opposite the market’s main entrance, hoping to attract buyers away from the core throng.
One of Khalil’s animals, a striking black and brown steer of medium build, drew considerable attention. Its lean physique and gleaming coat spoke of natural health, a result, Khalil explained, of a diet solely of grass, straw, and natural feed, eschewing any artificial fattening methods.
Throughout the morning, numerous prospective buyers inspected the steer, some departing after hearing the asking price, others returning for a second look, but negotiations proved difficult. The turning point came with the arrival of three neighbors – Kamal Hossain, Md. Abul Kasem, and Amir Hamza – who were pooling resources to purchase a single animal for their joint sacrifice.
Kamal Hossain was immediately drawn to Khalil’s steer. After a close inspection, he inquired about the price. Khalil quoted 80,000 taka. The bargaining commenced, with Hossain initially offering 65,000 taka, an offer Khalil promptly rejected. Hossain raised his bid to 70,000 taka, but Khalil remained firm, stating he would not sell for less than 76,000 taka. The offers steadily climbed to 72,000, 73,000, and finally 74,000 taka.
As a crowd gathered, onlookers and a fellow cattle trader intervened, urging both parties towards a compromise. The trader suggested a final price of 75,000 taka. Hossain agreed and began counting out the cash. However, just as the money was being handed over, Khalil hesitated, demanding an additional 1,000 taka. After further appeals from the assembled crowd, Hossain relented, increasing his offer by another 500 taka. Two hours of intense negotiation concluded with the sale of the steer for 75,500 taka.
Following the transaction, Khalil appeared subdued. He later confided that the animals held significant emotional value, having been raised with great care. “I am not a trader,” he said, “I am a farmer. I raise cattle, so I get attached.”
The Sagarika market, despite a morning shower that left large sections waterlogged and muddy, pulsed with activity. Shoppers, undeterred by the conditions, navigated the terrain with umbrellas and rolled-up trousers, inspecting animals and negotiating prices.
Further inside the market, trader Abdul Aziz sat by a row of penned cattle, a mix of red, black, and brown. Aziz, a veteran of the sacrificial animal trade for many years, sources his livestock from various regions including Rajshahi, Satkhira, and local Chittagong areas. He had brought approximately 500 cattle to the market but reported slow sales, with only about 90 sold by midday.
Aziz noted that prices this year were higher than the previous year, citing increased transportation costs – from 40-50,000 taka for a truckload of cattle last year to 70-75,000 taka this year – and the rising cost of animal feed. He pointed to a red indigenous cow, highlighting its consistent demand among buyers seeking local breeds. His inventory ranged from 80,000 taka to over 300,000 taka, with medium-sized indigenous cattle attracting the most attention despite higher price tags.
Mohammad Azam Chowdhury, a clothing merchant, had successfully purchased a white, docile cow after extensive searching. “The price was a bit high,” he admitted, “but my family prefers white cattle, and I liked this one.” He echoed the sentiment that quality animals were commanding higher prices compared to last year.
Near the market entrance, Jalil Bepari stood with a medium-sized, dark-colored steer, its red tether rope occasionally swinging as it shook its head. The animal had attracted significant interest throughout the morning, with potential buyers examining its teeth and estimating its weight, but no deal had been struck. Mohammad Saimum, accompanied by his wife and child, approached the steer and engaged in negotiations. Bepari initially asked for 80,000 taka, but the buyer’s offer stalled at 68,000 taka. Bepari, unwilling to incur a loss, held firm, and Saimum ultimately left without the animal. Bepari remained, awaiting new customers.
Chittagong has observed fluctuations in sacrificial animal numbers over the past two years. In 2024, the district saw 818,468 animals sacrificed, a slight decrease from 781,831 in 2025. However, the Department of Livestock Services anticipates an increase in demand for the current Eid, projecting 818,671 animals to be sacrificed in the district, approximately 37,000 more than the previous year. The city currently hosts three permanent and seven temporary cattle markets.
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