Ahead of the holy Eid-ul-Azha, the government has taken a special initiative to preserve the hides of sacrificial animals.

 As part of this, the Upazila Administration of Shyamnagar, a coastal sub-district of Satkhira, will supply 15 metric tons of salt to orphanages, madrasas, and Lillah boardings for hide preservation. Officials say this is the first such initiative of salt supply for hide preservation in the area.

The Upazila Administration stated that hides are an important component of the domestic economy. To prevent spoilage and preserve them properly, the government has taken this initiative. This year, the target is to supply 15 metric tons of salt in Shyamnagar Upazila.

The administration has informed 95 madrasas, orphanages, and Lillah boardings in the upazila about this government assistance. They have been advised to use the salt for proper hide preservation.

On Tuesday (June 3), the Upazila Administration organized a meeting at the Shyamnagar Upazila Parishad hall on proper preservation and marketing of sacrificial animal hides. Many participants said that in the past, due to lack of salt, hides often spoiled and sellers did not get the desired price. They expressed hope that with proper preservation using salt, hides would fetch better prices. However, the speakers also requested the Upazila Administration’s support to ensure fair prices for the hides.

Shyamnagar Upazila Press Club President and Assistant Professor Shamimul Azam Monir said it is expected that about 10,000 animals may be sacrificed in the upazila this year. Mufti Abdul Khalek, director of the mosque madrasa in Shyamnagar municipality, said the government had never before supplied salt for hide preservation. Receiving government salt support will help preserve hides better and obtain better prices, which will also aid madrasa development.

Upazila Vice Principal Abubakar Siddique said that previously few took initiatives for proper hide preservation, but now many are considering it after learning about the salt supply.

Azizur Rahman, Member of the Hide Preservation Committee of Banshipur Shahi Mosque, said that the largest hide preservation site in the upazila is at Banshipur Shahi Mosque, where a large amount of salt will be needed. He thanked the Upazila Administration and the Upazila Executive Officer for supplying salt.

In the meeting on proper preservation and marketing of sacrificial animal hides, Upazila Livestock Office Veterinary Surgeon Dr. Subrata Bishwas discussed hide removal procedures, waste management, and other related topics in detail before representatives of about 100 orphanages, madrasas, and Lillah boardings. He emphasized following the Animal Welfare Act-2029 for safe animal transport.

In his speech, Shyamnagar Upazila Press Club President urged awareness against hide smuggling. Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Abdullah Al Rifat spoke on hide preservation. The chief guest, Upazila Executive Officer Mosha: Roni Khatun, stressed the importance of hide preservation and urged initiatives to prevent hides from leaving the area. She also held discussions with hide traders regarding preservation and pricing. Union and Upazila committees for hide preservation were formed under her leadership.

According to the Upazila Livestock Office, preparations for Eid include 5,730 bulls, 830 oxen, 1,980 cows, 8,870 goats, 2,250 sheep, and 40 buffaloes. It is also known that a veterinary medical team has been deployed at the sacrificial animal markets by the Upazila Livestock Office for Eid-ul-Azha.