Staff Reporter:
Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Amin Ur Rashid on Thursday said that proper preservation and management of hides and other by-products of sacrificial animals, alongside meat, could make a significant contribution to the national economy.
He made the remarks as chief guest at a training workshop titled “Qurbani Management Workshop-2026 (Meat Processors, Hide Preservers, and Veterinary Medical Teams)” held at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) in the capital. The Department of Livestock Services (DLS) organised the event.
Lauding the role of veterinary medical teams, livestock officials and stakeholders, the minister said their participation in ensuring animal health safety and managing cattle markets was commendable.
He noted that a large number of people are involved in slaughtering, flaying, meat processing and distribution during Eid-ul-Azha.
“In this reality, there is no alternative to developing a skilled workforce,” he said, adding that improper skinning often damages hide quality and reduces market value.
The minister suggested building a trained workforce for the Qurbani season by involving madrasa students and local youths in specialised training programmes. This, he said, would improve hide quality, create short-term income opportunities and enhance technical skills.
He also indicated that year-round training initiatives were being considered to address seasonal skill shortages.
Highlighting that most Qurbani hides are donated to madrassas, he said government support, including supply of salt for preservation, was continuing. Proper cleaning of fat, timely salting and scientific preservation would improve leather quality and boost foreign exchange earnings, he added.
He further said Bangladesh is currently self-sufficient in sacrificial animal production and can meet domestic demand. Urging awareness against purchasing smuggled or illegally imported animals, he said such practices harm local farmers and national interests.
The minister expressed optimism that through awareness, training and coordinated initiatives, Qurbani management could be further improved, strengthening the livestock sector’s contribution to the economy.
Senior officials of the ministry and department, meat processors, hide preservers and members of veterinary medical teams attended the workshop.
