Reza Mahmud :
A section of corrupt police and ruling party men are allegedly extorting cattle traders on the highways and waterways despite warnings from the police headquarters.
“The extortionists are stopping cow-loaded trucks at various points on the highways and forcing the drivers to pay them money,” said Ariful Alam, a cattle trader of Gabtoli cattle market.
Another cattle trader Amin Uddin said, a limited number of cows are coming from India due to various restrictions by the Indian authorities. Adverse weather in the Bay of Bengal is also causing decreased number of cattle imports from Myanmar.
He said, “We are now relying only to our local cattle farms. If the cattle imports from neighboring countries are not increased then naturally the price of sacrificial animals will go up. In this situation, we are anxious over the acts of extortionists.”
“We urge to the government to stop extortion activities on the highways and waterways to keep the cattle price reasonable,” said Abdul Alim, a cattle trader from Dhupkhola playground cattle market at Gendaria in the city.
“The influential people, especially ruling party men and police, are among the extortionists,” alleged the cattle traders at Brothers Union Balurmath preferring anonymity.
Another cattle trader in city’s Sadarghat area said, his cow-loaded cargo vessel became the victim of extortionists in many river routes from Chandpur to Dhaka.
When contacted Mosleh Uddin Ahmed, the Joint Commissioner of DMP (traffic) told The New Nation, “Police are trying to catch all miscreants, including extortionists, on highways for safe passage of the cattle-loaded vehicles to their various market destinations.
“If any policemen are found involved in such crimes the traders should inform us. We must take hard action against them,” the DMP joint commissioner said.
Earlier, the police headquarters warned that if any member of the force involved in extortions, especially in the cattle-loaded vehicles, they would face tough action.
The traders said, cattle-loaded vehicles are coming from different parts of the country to Dhaka ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. Trucks are coming by the roads and highways while cargo vessels and trawlers are coming through waterways.
The buyers said the price is seemed high so far comparably the last year. But they hope after more cattle arrive in the markets the price may go down.
The traders said, the cattle sale has started but the turnout is not sufficient. But they are not frustrated as the city dwellers usually buy cattle close time of Eid days.
“The residents of Dhaka usually buy cattle one or two days before Eid-ul-Azha due to their limit capability of keeping the cattle and taking care of them,” said one of the traders.
