Fattening of cattle for selling them as sacrificial animals in Eid-ul-Azha has become a popular trade among residents of 12 upazilas in this district. The trade has proved profitable and helped alleviate poverty in the area.

According to sources, over 50,000 poor families living in 12 upazilas have achieved success in the trade. Local traders and livestock officers have urged the authorities not to import cattle as sufficient quantities of sacrificial animals are being reared in the district.

Abdul Awal, the district livestock officer in Tangail, yesterday said that there are 9,342 cattle farms under the upazilas. About 57,559 bulls, buffalos and goats have been reared for sacrifice. This number will soon cross 60,000, he added.

Tangail district needs about 45000 cattle heads. The surplus cattle heads will be supplied to the neighbouring districts.

It is alleged that some cattle traders in the district are now fattening their cattle using harmful steroids in a bid to make quick bucks during  Eid-ul-Azha.

Although the use of steroids and harmful drugs for fattening cattle was prohibited by the Fisheries and Livestock Act 2010, some dishonest cattle farmers are still using these to make their animals attractive to customers.

But these animals contain the chemicals that are harmful for the kidney, liver, heart and other organs of the human body, said Dr Nurul Huda.

The district livestock officer told the correspondent that the department is monitoring the fattening programmes to ensure that the farmers cannot use harmful drugs.

Moulana Solaiman Kashemi told the Independent: “The spirit of Eid-ul-Azha is sacrifice. Every Muslim intends to set an example with this holy sacrifice.

Islam has clearly ruled that the animals should be pin-perfect for the sacrifice.

But some unscrupulous people are trying to make money by fatteing animals by injecting harmful growth hormones, chemicals and antibiotics. This is a crime and a serious public health concern.”

A cattle farm owner, Minhaj Uddin, of Salika village under Madhupur upazila said that imported cattle heads have been shattering their hopes of making profits. "We're forced to sell our animals on the eve of Eid-ul-Azha at lower prices," he added.

He alleged that some cattle smugglers have become active on the eve of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azah.