With the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, illegal and dangerous chemical-based cattle fattening practices have become alarmingly common in the larger Laksam upazila of southern Cumilla. This hazardous trend is increasing serious health risks for hundreds of thousands of people in the region.

Certain local cattle farmers have set their sights on making quick profits through the use of harmful chemicals. Farmers, household owners, and traders—both large and small—are reportedly using various injections, tablets, and powders from domestic and international companies to fatten their cattle unnaturally. These drugs are being administered without any scientific understanding or adherence to legal or veterinary guidelines.

Due to the end of the dry summer season, green grass is scarce despite the absence of waterlogging. At the same time, the price and availability of cattle feed have become a serious issue. Drugs such as Cattle Care, Enzyvit, Enora, Setron, Cataps, Burnafit, Biomix, Vermic, deworming medicines, and AD-3 vitamins are being used indiscriminately.

Sources reveal that cattle smuggled in through around fifty illegal border routes from India are often carriers of dangerous pathogens. One such disease is anthrax, which can re-emerge even after long periods.

Steroid-based drugs typically used for treating respiratory issues, like dexamethasone, decasone, betamethasone, and periactin, are being misused in high doses to fatten cattle. As a result, there is high demand for these products among farmers and traders.

Currently, various breeds including Pabna, Australian-Frisian, Indian Haryana, Pakistani Sahiwal, Hectofin brands, and local crossbreeds are being fattened using these methods. Drugs such as Mycodin, Dexwin, Dexamin, Steron, D-Cot, Dexvet, Histanol, Siamvet, Niravet, Dexcot, Oradex, Feedvet, Feedexanol-S, Prednivet, Prednisolone, Periactrin, and Vitavet are among the numerous steroids found in local pharmacies used for this purpose.

The source further mentioned that during Eid-ul-Adha, these chemically fattened cattle are sold in local markets through local agents by large-scale traders.

While the local administration is reportedly preparing to ensure law and order and a peaceful environment at the cattle markets—so that both local and foreign traders can sell their livestock smoothly—public concern remains high regarding the unchecked influence of cattle market lessees.

Attempts to get comments from officials of the local upazila and municipal administration were unsuccessful despite repeated phone calls.