Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Thursday said cattle prices are comparatively lower this year than last year's.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the Gabtoli Bus Terminal and Cattle Market in the capital, he said there is a sufficient supply of sacrificial animals this year and buyers are unlikely to face difficulties in purchasing cattle.

In response to a question, the adviser said prices at the Gabtoli market are “reasonably affordable” and buyers are benefitting. 

“It seems to me that cattle prices are slightly lower this year than previous years,” he added.

When asked why people seem hesitant to buy large cattle, he said, “Previously, many had pockets full of black money. Now, with reduced corruption, they don’t have that kind of money. Still, there are many honest people who can afford big cattle and will buy them.”

On the issue of cattle market security, he assured that there is no shortfall in safety measures and that adequate security arrangements have been made.

Regarding the security of Dhaka city during the Eid holidays, the adviser said, “Though many people will leave Dhaka for Eid, members of law enforcement agencies will remain in the city to ensure security. So, the capital's security situation is expected to remain good.”

Earlier, while visiting the Gabtoli Bus Terminal, he told reporters that he had not received any complaints about overpriced tickets or artificial transport crises.

He acknowledged that rain has caused traffic congestion in some areas and said comprehensive measures have been taken to avoid such situations, especially on highways.