The government has formed a 13-member committee to ensure proper management of Qurbani-related activities, including fair pricing of hides, improved collection and preservation, and coordinated waste management across the country ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

The Cabinet Division formed the committee, said a gazette notification signed by Additional Secretary (Committee and Finance) Md Humayun Kabir on Thursday.

Headed by Commerce Minister, the other members of committee include Religious Affairs Minister, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister, Industries Minister, Information and Broadcasting Minister, Fisheries and Livestock Minister, Road Transport and Bridges Minister, State Minister for Local Govt., Rural Development & Cooperatives, Commerce Secretary, Home Affairs Secretary, Industries Secretary, Fisheries and Livestock Secretary and three leaders of leather and leather goods sector.

Terms of reference of the committee are to determine the process for proper collection and preservation of hides and to ensure adequate supply of salt for this purpose; to ensure fair prices of hides and the smooth and efficient management of all Qurbani-related matters; to issue necessary directives for protecting the interests of religious institutions in receiving proceeds from the sale of hides.

The committee will also work to issue guidelines regarding Qurbani cattle markets, animal transportation, and prevention of cruelty during transport; to prepare an action plan for the swift and proper waste management in Savar Leather Industrial City and across the country; and the committee will ensure institutional arrangements for the collection and preservation of hides at all levels prior to Eid-ul-Azha.