Each year, Eid-ul-Adha stands as a luminous moment in the spiritual and cultural life of Bangladesh, when millions come together to embody the timeless values of faith, sacrifice, and compassion through the sacred Act of Qurbani. This deeply meaningful ritual transcends mere tradition—it is a powerful expression of empathy and communal harmony, binding individuals in a shared commitment to generosity and divine obedience. In the Eid-ul-Adha of 2024, over 10.4 million animals were sacrificed nationwide, reflecting the profound cultural and economic significance of this tradition. This figure has steadily risen over recent years, with approximately 4.8 million cattle and buffalo and 5.5 million goats and sheep sacrificed across the country.

The purity and beauty of Qurbani transcend the Act itself; it embodies submission to the divine, generosity, and care for fellow human beings and all creation. However, the vast scale of this practice introduces complex challenges in livestock markets, animal welfare, public health, environmental sustainability, and economic stability. Throughout the country, livestock markets swell as thousands of animals are brought to urban and rural trade hubs. While this surge provides economic opportunities, it also raises concerns about overcrowding, insufficient veterinary supervision, and animal transport conditions that impact animal welfare and public health.
Municipalities across Bangladesh have designated numerous slaughter sites to promote hygienic and organized practices. Dhaka North City Corporation, for instance, designates over 200 open spaces annually, including Uttara Playground and Mirpur DOHS Field. Dhaka South City Corporation manages sites like Azimpur Field and Lalbagh Park, encouraging proper home slaughter with waste disposal measures. Other cities follow suit, and rural Union Parishads supervise Eidgah grounds and school fields for regulated slaughter. Despite these initiatives, sacrifices outside authorized areas also persist, particularly in rural and peri-urban regions, complicating waste management and increasing health risks.

Disposal of animal waste—including blood, offal, and skins—is a critical concern. During Eid 2024, Dhaka North City Corporation deployed about 10,000 sanitation workers to clear waste from all wards within six hours, and Dhaka South City Corporation completed clearance in 64 wards (83%) by evening. Yet, many areas still face delays or inadequate disposal, posing significant public health threats.

Improper waste management attracts scavengers and potential disease vectors, facilitating the spread of pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Cryptosporidium, causing waterborne diseases including diarrhea and typhoid. Blood and waste leach into rivers and groundwater, worsening pollution in waterways like the Buriganga River. Decomposition releases foul odors and harmful gases that worsen respiratory problems, especially among children and the elderly. Stagnant pools of blood and waste serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes, pathogens increasing risks of dengue, chikungunya and other diseases. Soil degradation from waste leachate threatens agricultural productivity vital for rural livelihoods.

The seasonal livestock market surge also pressures farmers and traders economically. Overcrowding, transport stress, and inconsistent veterinary care reduce animal welfare and meat quality. Financial fluctuations challenge stakeholders, sometimes leading to compromises conflicting with Qurbani’s ethical underpinnings.

Occupational health risks also arise for slaughterhouse workers and meat processors. A recent study found only 30% of meat handlers use face masks, and just 14% wear caps during Qurbani, increasing vulnerability to zoonotic infections and foodborne illnesses. While some municipalities provide hygiene training and promote personal protective equipment (PPE) use, adoption remains limited and urgently needs expansion.

Animal skin processing is another crucial aspect, with Eid accounting for about 40–50% of Bangladesh’s annual raw hide supply. The seasonal influx overwhelms preservation and processing capacity. Poor salting methods cause 10–20% hide damage. Chrome tanning, responsible for 85–90% of leather production, uses toxic chromium compounds posing environmental and occupational health risks. Workers—including children in some cases—face chemical exposure causing skin and respiratory illnesses. Tanneries have historically polluted waterways like the Buriganga River; relocation efforts to Savar aim to reduce impacts, though challenges remain.

Addressing these challenges demands a transdisciplinary One Health approach, fostering collaboration across institutions and sectors.

Religious leaders, holding moral authority, play a key role in promoting humane, hygienic practices, encouraging designated slaughter site use, and integrating health messages within spiritual discourse. Community leaders and citizens foster compliance, report violations, and support cleanliness.

Occupational workers—including butchers, transporters, and sanitation staff—must adopt PPE and maintain hygiene. City corporations and local governments are responsible for infrastructure, sanitation workforce deployment, and enforcing procedures.

Veterinary and public health experts oversee animal welfare, zoonotic disease prevention, hygiene standards, and public education.
Government and communities must prioritize enforcement of slaughter site use, hygienic waste removal, veterinary supervision, and culturally tailored education. Modernizing leather processing to reduce environmental harm and protect workers is equally urgent.
By embracing a holistic, collaborative approach—uniting religious leaders, community members, workers, authorities, veterinarians, and public health experts—Bangladesh can preserve the sanctity and social significance of Qurbani. This transdisciplinary framework will uphold animal welfare, protect public health, and ensure environmental stewardship.

Through the synergy of faith, community, science, and governance, Qurbani will thrive resiliently and meaningfully for generations to come.

May this Eid inspire us all to fulfill our roles with commitment, dedication, wisdom, and compassion—honoring the sacred trust placed in us and fostering harmony between spirituality and the well-being of our people and planet.
Eid Mubarak.

- The writer is the Director of One Health Institute at Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (CVASU)

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