Hides Dumped on Roads as Brahmanbaria Market Collapses
Photo: Agamir Somoy
Seasonal traders in Brahmanbaria have abandoned hundreds of cattle hides on roadsides after failing to find buyers and secure fair prices during Eid-ul-Azha, leading to significant financial losses. Allegations have emerged that a market syndicate is suppressing fair pricing in the rawhide trade.
Locals said that around 169,000 cattle were expected to be sacrificed in Brahmanbaria during Eid-ul-Azha. Nearly 15,000 farmers in the district raise these cattle. From the afternoon of Eid day, seasonal traders began bringing hides to T.A. Road in the town. However, with no buyers available, they waited overnight but failed to sell any hides. Later, many traders left the unsold hides by the roadside in different parts of the city. The situation has created a foul smell, causing inconvenience to pedestrians.
Traders said they were unable to sell hides even at Tk 200, despite purchasing them at around Tk 500. As a result, they suffered heavy losses. They alleged that the market has come under the control of syndicates due to a lack of government oversight.
Brahmanbaria Deputy Commissioner Md. Abu Saeed told Agamir Somoy that hides have been sold in other upazilas, but it remains unclear why sales have not taken place in the town area.
He said the owners of the hides left by the roadside could not be identified. The matter has been informed to the municipality, and steps will be taken to remove the hides after evening.
