Every Eid-ul-Adha, the streets of cities and villages, the cattle markets, and people's homes take on a unique, vibrant character. The air is filled with the calls of sacrificial animals, the bargaining between buyers and sellers, and families busily preparing for Eid. However, an indispensable yet often overlooked part of this entire process remains hidden from our sight: the role of truck drivers. Their tireless efforts are embedded within this silent contribution.
Leading up to Eid-ul-Adha, a unique demand arises in the country's transport sector – for animal-carrying trucks. During this period each year, the demand for trucks skyrockets, as thousands of Sacrificial animals must be delivered to their specific destinations from various parts of the country. And the responsibility of ensuring these Sacrificial animals reach their destination rests squarely on the shoulders of truck drivers. For instance:
Whether the farm or Sacrificial animals are located in the northern, southwestern, or hilly regions of the country, the responsibility of transporting them to the city or suburban markets lies with the truck drivers. They strive to deliver the livestock safely to their destination, overcoming challenges such as long journeys, poor road conditions, and adverse weather. Before Qurbani and during the market season, truck drivers work day and night. Animal-carrying trucks move ceaselessly from one market to another, from one district to another, from farms to markets, or from markets to homes.
Reliable Carriers of Livestock
Since Sacrificial animal markets receive livestock from various parts of the country, such as North Bengal, Chapainawabganj, Dinajpur, Meherpur, Kushtia, or Barisal, thousands of cows, buffaloes, goats, and sheep arrive in cities by truck. This task of animal transportation is not easy. In every journey, truck drivers have to cover long distances, often through adverse weather, traffic jams, and hazardous roads. In addition, there is the burden of sleep deprivation, road fatigue, and the added pressure of ensuring the health and safety of each animal.
Truck drivers often have to drive continuously for 15-20 hours. If road conditions are poor, the risks increase even further.
Drivers must pay extra attention to ensure that the animals reach their destination healthy and unharmed. Sometimes, animals become agitated out of fear, and it then becomes the drivers' responsibility to manage them.
Due to excessive crowds, temporary parking near markets, and makeshift roads, the risk of accidents is also higher. Drivers must then be doubly cautious.
Waiting at the Markets
The work of truck drivers does not end with just transporting animals. Many times, sellers take their animals around from market to market on trucks to show them to buyers according to demand. This means drivers have to spend days and nights around the markets. They continue their work without sleep or food, amidst dust and heat.
Delivering Sacrificial Animals to the Buyer's Doorstep
When buying Sacrificial animals from the market, many of us rent trucks for transportation. During this time, the role of truck drivers is also very important.
All in all, the person who silently works behind this entire Qurbani process is the truck driver. The success of this massive arrangement depends on their skill, patience, and vigilance. For livestock farmers, it is extremely important that their carefully raised animals reach the market on time and safely. On the other hand, for buyers, it is also necessary to receive the animal on time, especially for those who buy at the last minute.
Consider this that when we are making Eid preparations with our families, these truck drivers might be far from home, spending time alone on the road. Their Eid is celebrated through duty, hard work, and commitment to their profession. Their efforts should be acknowledged; at least once, we should remember that those who contribute most to bringing the Eid animals from the market to our homes are the truck drivers.