In a shocking case of alleged profiteering amid a deadly disease outbreak, livestock officials in Sundarganj of Gaibandha are being accused of price-gouging desperate farmers – charging Tk 20 to 30 for an anthrax vaccine that costs just 80 paisa per dose.
That’s a 2,400% markup and farmers say they’re being threatened into paying.
As anthrax claims lives and livestock across northern Bangladesh, what should be a lifeline has turned into a racket, with insiders estimating that over Tk 5 crore could be siphoned from terrified cattle owners under the guise of “vaccination.”
The outbreak, originating in neighbouring Pirgachha, Rangpur, where two people have died and 50 others fell ill after eating infected beef, has already killed more than 100 cows in Sundarganj.
In panic, villagers are rushing to vaccinate their animals. But instead of protection, many say they’re getting extorted.
“They came on motorcycles, demanded 20 taka per animal, and warned: ‘Pay now, or the office will charge you double later—and we won’t be around to help.’ I paid Tk 80 for six animals… out of fear,” said Md Sajib Mia, a day labourer from Falgachha village.
Another farmer, Md Phul Mia, confirmed: “Everyone’s being charged Tk 20. No one dares refuse.”
When our correspondent posed as a cattle owner, vaccinator Chandan Kumar Roy bluntly admitted: “We take Tk 20 per animal. The money goes to our office.”
But official records tell a different story. The actual cost of the government-supplied anthrax vaccine? Just 80 paisa per dose. Even the Upazila Livestock Officer, Dr Biplab Kumar Dey, conceded that while a Tk 10 charge might cover transport and logistics, anything above that is unauthorised—and punishable.
“If anyone is taking more than Tk 10, action will be taken,” Dr Dey insisted though no disciplinary steps have been announced yet.
With 2,50,000 cattle in Sundarganj and 2,00,000 targeted for vaccination, the scale of potential exploitation is staggering. At Tk 20 per dose, corrupt actors could pocket up to Tk 40 lakh and if the rate climbs to Tk 30, the loot soars past Tk 60 lakh. Multiply that across multiple upazilas, and the figure easily crosses Tk 5 crore, as locals allege.
Worse still, 90% of cattle remain unvaccinated not due to vaccine shortages, but because of fear, misinformation, and lack of awareness. Meanwhile, officials claim 22,000 doses have already been administered, with 50,000 more requested.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Raj Kumar Biswas distanced himself from the pricing, saying: “The livestock department decides the fee. We have no role.”