“Gold hidden in garbage: Secret business worth crores of taka in animal bones, horns and testicles”

Cow, buffalo or goat bones, horns, and even testicles—which we consider garbage every day—have become a source of income for many people. Although these leftovers are easily thrown away in homes, hotels or slaughterhouses, cleaners collect them and sell them to scrap dealers. From there, a huge chain begins—which reaches the pharmaceutical industry, animal feed, export and various product factories.

Every morning, cleaners collect animal bones, pieces of skin, horns and other leftovers from different parts of the city. They are then sold to local traders for processing. This processing involves multiple steps, including grinding the bones, drying and packaging. These ingredients are also used by pharmaceutical companies as well as in the leather industry, animal feed and beauty products.

At least 100 traders across the Sylhet region are actively involved in this sector. They are making huge profits by collecting and selling bones, horns and testicles of cows, buffaloes, goats and sheep, not only during the Qurbani but throughout the year. It is estimated that more than 1 crore taka is being transacted in this business every month from the Sylhet region alone.

According to experts, animal bones and testicles contain high levels of protein and collagen, which are used to make calcium and herbal medicines. Horns and other hard parts are also used as raw materials for making shoes and beauty products, and even as raw materials for industrial machinery. Apart from this, it is possible to earn foreign currency by exporting high-quality bones abroad.

However, the development of this sector still remains largely hidden from public view. Due to its unorganization and lack of government supervision, the entire process is being carried out privately, where syndicates and middlemen control the market. This deprives genuine collectors and small traders of the right price.

A local bone trader said, “Many people consider us small-time people for doing this business. But we earn more than one lakh taka every month. If there was government training and support, we could have processed it to a higher standard and increased exports abroad.”

According to experts, if the government institutionalizes this business, it could become a large-scale export-oriented industry. This will not only increase employment, but also benefit the country’s economy. In addition, cleaners from the backward classes will also be able to earn a respectable and profitable living.

Not garbage, but with proper planning and monitoring, a strong industrial sector can be developed around animal bones, horns and testicles. Where lies the potential for earning the livelihood of thousands of people and foreign exchange for the country.