Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal on Sunday said no makeshift cattle market will be allowed to be set up in the capital ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha.
“This time all the cattle markets will have designated boundaries, which cannot be expanded,” the minister said while talking to reporters after holding
two back-to-back meetings with law enforcement agency officials at the Secretariat.
This year, Asaduzzaman said, 22 cattle markets will be set up in the capital under Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).
Besides, the minister said, no cattle market will be allowed to be set up in residential areas, near rail lines and/or on highways.
Asaduzzaman added there will be one police camp for each of the markets, while constant supervision and security will be ensured by Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) through closed-circuit television (CCTVs) surveillance.
Security personnel will also be deployed near all the shopping centres, commercial areas and places where Eid prayers will be offered to ensure security for all. Several ‘money squads’ will also be there in the markets for those who may hes itate to travel with huge amount of money.
The entry points, known for distribution of illegal medicines and steroids to bulk up cattle, along the border will be sealed off in addition to all the points known for smuggling cowhides.
According to statistics provided by the ministry, Muslims across the country sacrificed some 1.15 crore cattle during last year’s Eid-ul-Azha. Eid-ul-Azha, the second largest religious festival of the country, will be celebrated in the country on August 22 this year, subject to moon sighting.
Representatives from Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) were also present.
