S.A Shofiee, Sylhet :
Illegal cattle markets have mushroomed across the South Surma ahead of Eid ul-Azha defying the government rules, adding to the miseries of the South Surma dawdlers.
With Eid falling on October 6, sacrificial animals are also being displayed at different makeshift cattle markets, including the Kodamtaly cattle market.
However, a section of people in collusion with local political leaders have set up many illegal cattle markets although the authorities of South Surma area have been bringing out mobile court to evict the illegal markets.
Many makeshift cattle markets are also expanding the market-area illegally to store extra cattle for extra income. During visits to different parts of the South Surma Wednesday, correspondent found that illegal cattle markets had already been set up in various points of the South Surma, including some residential areas while preparations were underway to open more markets.
On Monday, the Sylhet city corporation authorities evicted the market, but the market was reassembled after the authorities had left the place, local sources said.
An illegal market was also try to setup at Chondipul area in Rampura while preparations were underway to set up illegal markets at Kodomtaly area in South Surma.
Huge traffic jam was created on the areas due to the illegal cattle markets, creating immense public sufferings.
Cattle-laden trucks were seen unloading sacrificial animals on the road and road side areas, making huge traffic congestion in various parts of the South Surma. Cattle waste also added to people’s sufferings in the areas.
Sylhet City Corporation Chief State Officer told that they have been continuing drives to evict illegal markets and had warned the managements of legitimate markets not to extend the area of the markets beyond the permissible premises. He also said they have permitted makeshift market at Kazirbazar area as the bidders agreed on higher prices to lease the area for cattle market.
Huge amount of financial transactions take place at the illegal cattle markets every year, but the government is being deprived of revenues from those cattle markets.
Sources said a portion of the income of the illegal markets is usually distributed among three groups- ruling party leaders, Sylhet city corporation officials and law enforcers. Meanwhile, many buyers were seen to visiting the markets on Wednesday, four days ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, to buy sacrificial animals. Cow, goat, sheep, camel, dumba and buffalo were put on sale at the cattle markets.
