Animal Sacrifice for Eid-ul-Azha: Experts suggest following Saudi Arabian model

Speakers at an online press conference yesterday urged authorities to arrange animal sacrifice during upcoming Eid-ul-Azha in the country under a system followed in Saudi Arabia, to avoid environmental and health hazards.

Recently, the country's health experts warned that slaughtering animals in open spaces during the festival may increase the risk of coronavirus infection. Islamic clerics have also urged a change in festival traditions to prevent further spread of the virus.

During yesterday's press conference, arranged jointly by Poribesh Bachao Andolon (Poba) and Sadaqah Foundation USA, Saudi Arabia-based researcher Shaikh Ismail Hossain Makki said each year over 12 lakh animals are sacrificed during Hajj, according to a press release.

"Some 16,000 employees work round-the-clock at government slaughterhouses to process animals, and that method could be followed in Bangladesh as well," he said.

In Mecca, devotees first ensure their purchase of sacrificial animal via a slip. Later, government authorities purchase the animal under its own management, then arranges the slaughter and distribution of meat, he said.

"That option is there if people want to see the process of sacrifice and wish to collect meat," he said.

If animal sacrifice in Bangladesh is arranged following this method, then it can benefit both devotees and the government, he added.

Poba Chairman Abu Naser Khan said people have to be sure that their sacrificial animals are not ill and harmful for public health.

Organisers urged the government to immediately finalise separate rules for animal slaughter management and municipality solid waste management under the environment ministry. They also urged to ensure everyone involved in meat processing during Eid-ul-Azha remains safe from infectious disease.