Traders Bury Hides After Failing to Get Fair Prices in Cumilla
Collected Photo
Traders in Cumilla buried cattle hides in pits after failing to secure fair prices for sacrificial animal hides during Eid-ul-Azha. The incidents took place on Friday beside Gomkot and Tejer Bazar in Nangalkot, triggering widespread criticism and frustration among locals.
Traders said they had collected cattle hides from different areas on Eid day and stored them temporarily in one place, expecting large wholesalers to purchase them at fair prices. Many even stayed awake overnight to guard the hides. However, when the expected major buyers failed to arrive, they found themselves in trouble.
Local small traders alleged that some small wholesalers offered only Tk 50 to Tk 100 per hide. With no major buyers in sight, many feared heavy losses. As a result, some traders dumped hides by the roadside and later buried them in pits at different locations on Friday afternoon.
Following the incident, small traders posted videos on social media showing the buried hides and expressed anger over the situation. Many alleged that syndicates were controlling the rawhide market and preventing fair pricing. Some also said they would no longer continue in the business.
Jasim, a trader from Modda village, said he suffered heavy losses after purchasing hides with cash. He said several wholesalers refused to pay more than Tk 50 to Tk 100 per hide, forcing him to bury the hides in the end.
Osman, a temporary trader from Gomkot village, said he collected hides by paying cash door-to-door but later failed to receive fair prices. He said he had no option but to bury the hides and demanded action against the rawhide purchasing syndicate.
Saiful Haque, a conscious citizen from Aliyara village, said traders were burying hides or dumping them into canals out of frustration. He added that the government needs stronger oversight to protect the industry.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Abu Raihan said destroying national resources was unacceptable. He added that authorities had supplied salt to every madrasa for hide preservation and that quick assistance could have been provided if traders had informed the administration.
