SATKHIRA, May 31: On the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, one of the biggest religious festivals of the Muslim Ummah, law enforcement agencies have started strict surveillance along the 272-kilometre border area in the district. Among them, 33 BGB battalions in the land area of the district, and 17 BGB battalions are along with the Riverine Border Guard.
Border sources said that strict surveillance has been increased to prevent cattle from entering the country illegally and leathers of Bangladesh from being smuggled. At the same time, the BGB is on duty at the border round the clock to prevent drug smuggling and push-in.
Meanwhile, as Eid-ul-Azha approaches, the cattle markets and farms in the district are bustling. From dawn to dusk, farmers are busy bathing, preparing food and caring for their cows. However, this time, the number of cattle is higher than the demand; so the farmers are worried about the expected profits. At the same time, the farmers are worried about the infiltration of Indian cattle. Although the border guards, along with the BGB, are guarding the border.
According to the information of the District Livestock Department, the demand for sacrificial (Kurbani) animals in Satkhira for this Eid-ul-Azha has been estimated at 85,318. On the other hand, 1 lakh 606 animals are ready. This includes 49,199 cows, 1,182 buffaloes, 44,054 goats, 6,156 sheep and 10 other animals.
Abdul Aziz, a farmer from Maaskhola Village in Satkhira Sadar Upazila, said, "I started the farm just six months ago. Now I have 10 cows in my farm. I feed them grass grown at home and raise them healthily. If cows do not come from India, then we, the marginal farmers, will also be able to make good profits."
Inzamul Haque, a farmer from the same upazila, said, "I bathe the cows in my farm every morning and take care of them. Then they are fed in stages. I always take care of health and cleanliness."
Farmer Hafizul Islam has been raising cows for three years. He said, "This time the price of food is very high, but the price of cows in the market is low. Cows are not being sold for more than one lakh taka. There is a fear of losses. However, if the big cows are sold, there may be some profit."
Farmers believe that due to the high production this time, the price of livestock will be somewhat more bearable for buyers.
District Livestock Officer (Additional Duty) Dr. Bishnupada Biswas said, there will be a surplus of about 15,000 animals this time compared to the demand. But there is no need to be panic. The government is taking a strict stance to ensure that Indian cows do not come. Surveillance has been increased at the border.
He said that 12,894 farms in the district have prepared animals. This year, the number of animals has increased by two to three per cent compared to last year's. According to him, even if a limited number of cows are smuggled, it will not have much impact on the marginal farmers.
On the other hand, the cost of animal feed and care has increased in the Satkhira market, which has also increased the cost of production for farmers. Still, they are optimistic that if Indian cows do not enter the market, the risk of losses will be reduced to some extent.
Meanwhile, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)-6 has set up checkpoints at various points in the district to ensure public safety during Eid.
In this regard, Company Commander of RAB-6, CPC-1, Satkhira Camp Md. Ehteshamul Haque Khan said, "We are on the highest alert to prevent any kind of sabotage or criminal activities centred around the holy Eid-ul-Azha. Checkposts have been set up at various points in the city to ensure the safety of the people of Satkhira. Along with this, we are talking to the people so that they themselves are aware and inform us quickly in any suspicious situation".
He further said, "RAB is always by the side of the common people. In addition to the additional security measures around Eid, special surveillance is being carried out to prevent militant activities, drugs, weapons and smuggling. Along with RAB members in plain clothes, mobile teams and patrol teams are working in the field round the clock".
