National
Livestock Surplus Expected for Upcoming Eid-ul-Adha
Livestock officials and experts have assured that there is an abundant supply of sacrificial animals for the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha, scheduled for next week. Over 12.9 million animals have been prepared for the qurbani festival.
According to statistics from the divisional livestock department, the estimated demand for livestock this year stands at 10.7 million. After meeting the demand, a surplus of almost 2.28 million livestock is expected.
“We have no shortage of livestock to meet the demand for the upcoming Eid as the country has an additional 2.28 million animals after fulfilling the qurbani demand,” stated Dr. ABM Khaleduzzaman, Director (Production) of the Department of Livestock Services (DLS).
The annual demand for sacrificial animals is usually calculated by adding five percent to the number of animals slaughtered the previous year. This year’s demand stands at 10.7 million for the qurbani.
Of the sacrificial animals, 5.268 million are cows, 160,000 are buffaloes, 6.85 million are goats, 767,000 are sheep, and 1,850 are other species ready for qurbani during Eid-ul-Adha, the second largest festival for Muslims worldwide.
“The price depends on demand and supply. Since we have made the statistics through surveys, there won’t be much difference between demand and supply. It seems that the prices will remain stable,” Khaleduzzaman said.
“Necessary steps will be taken to ensure the safety of the market. There will be close monitoring at all levels until the end of Eid-ul-Adha,” he added. He also expressed hope that the qurbani market will foster a friendly environment for both buyers and sellers.
DLS officials also mentioned that permanent veterinary doctors and mobile veterinary teams will operate at cattle markets nationwide, including both permanent and temporary markets in the capital under the north and south city corporation areas.
Additionally, DLS officials stated that farmers would not face taxation for selling animals from their homes this year and would not be coerced into selling animals on the streets if they preferred distant markets. Law enforcement agencies, local government bodies, and municipal authorities will be vigilant to prevent any extortion attempts.
The minister advised farmers to use digital payments to avoid carrying cash. Similar to last year, online sales of sacrificial animals will continue nationwide, benefiting both buyers and sellers.
Economy
Rain, Gusty Winds Expected Across Bangladesh: Met
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecasted light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds at most places across the Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions. Some areas may experience moderately heavy to very heavy rainfall, according to their latest weather bulletin released on Thursday.
Day and night temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged across the country.
The highest rainfall in the country over the past 24 hours was recorded in Kumarkhali, with 104mm of rain by 6 a.m. on Thursday.
The axis of the monsoon trough extends from India’s Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal to Assam, passing through Bangladesh, with one of its associated troughs stretching into the North Bay of Bengal.
The monsoon remains active over Bangladesh and moderate to strong over the North Bay region.
National
Mild Heat Wave Likely to Ease in Next 24 Hours: Met Office
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecasted that the mild heat wave currently affecting parts of the country, including the capital, is expected to subside in most areas within the next 24 hours, starting from 9 am today.
“A mild heat wave is sweeping across the divisions of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Sylhet, as well as the districts of Jashore, Chuadanga, and Kushtia. It is likely to ease in most regions,” the department reported.
In addition, BMD predicted light to moderate rainfall or thundershowers, accompanied by temporary gusty winds, across most of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions. Some areas are expected to experience moderate to very heavy rainfall.
Temperatures across the country may drop by 1-2 degrees Celsius during both day and night.
On Monday, Dinajpur in the Rangpur division recorded the country’s highest temperature at 38.6°C, while Bandarban in the Chattogram division saw the lowest temperature at 24.6°C early today.
Meanwhile, rainfall recorded in the past 24 hours, ending at 6 am today, reached 66 mm in Nikli of Dhaka Division.
The sunset in Dhaka is at 5:53 pm today, and sunrise is expected at 5:49 am tomorrow.
Economy
Ex-Ministers Accused in Murders Linked to Anti-Discrimination Protests
Two separate murder cases were filed today in connection with the deaths of a private service holder and a Madrasa student during the anti-discrimination student movement.
The first case was lodged by Ridwan Ahmed with Panchlaish police station, accusing former ministers Dr. Hasan Mahmud, Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel, and 127 others for the death of his nephew Sujan, 14. Sujan, the son of Belal Hossain from Beramara village in Noakhali’s Sadar Thana, was a student at Al Jamirul Hayat Madrasa in the city’s Chandgaon area. He was fatally shot in the Muradpur area on July 18.
The second case was filed by Jamal Uddin at Doublemooring police station, accusing 225 individuals, including Dr. Hasan Mahmud and Education Minister Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel, for the killing of his elder brother Alam, a private service holder, on August 5.