The preparations for cattle market are in full swing in different areas in Dhaka city ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, one of the biggest religious festivals of Muslims, to be celebrated in the country on May 28.
The two Dhaka city corporations have already leased 22 permanent and temporary cattle markets, where leaseholders are constructing temporary enclosures and sellers are arriving with sacrificial animals, with law enforcers taking extensive plans to ensure security in and around the markets.
Although selling of the sacrificial animals has already begun at some places, it will officially begin from tomorrow to continue till May 29.
In addition to the only permanent cattle market in Dhaka South City Corporation areas, which is Sarulia Bazar at Demra, the city authorities have leased temporary cattle markets at 10 places while another is under process.
The 10 temporary cattle markets already leased out are: adjacent areas of Postogola Crematorium, North Shahjahanpur Maitree Sangha Club, Amulia Model Town, Sikder Women’s Medical College, Brothers Union Club in Gopibagh, Golapbagh Staff Quarters, Rahmatganj Club in Chawkbazar, Sadek Hossain Khoka Playground in Sutrapur, unused road from Kajla Bridge to Matuail Mridhabari water pump, and the open space in Green Banasree Housing adjacent to Mostomajhi crossing at Khilgaon.
Leasing of the temporary cattle market at Shyampur Kadamtali Truck Stand is still going on.
The Dhaka North City Corporation in its areas is having 11 cattle markets, including the permanent Gabtoli Cattle Market.
The 10 temporary cattle markets under the north Dhaka city authorities are: Eastern Housing at Mirpur Section 6; Mirpur Kalshi Balur Math; Dumni in Khilkhet; Bonorupa Residential Project in Khilkhet; Swadesh Properties in Badda; Boro Beraid in Badda; adjacent areas of Dhaka Polytechnic Institute in Tejgaon Industrial Area; Iqra Madrasah in Rampura; Bou Bazar in Uttara; and Kachkura Bazar in Uttar Khan.
Addressing a coordination meeting between lessees and DNCC authorities on May 20 regarding the cattle market management, north city administrator Md Shafiqul Islam Khan warned of strict legal actions if any cattle market was held anywhere other than the designated locations.
He also mentioned that magistrates would operate mobile courts in the markets and take actions against any irregularities.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police deputy commissioner for media and public relations NM Nasiruddin told New Age that the force took extensive plans to ensure security in and around the cattle markets.
The security plans included round the clock deployment of additional uniformed and plainclothes police personnel, installation of CCTV cameras, setting up of police camps and watch towers, and installation of fake note detection machines, he said.
He described that additional traffic police would also be deployed around the markets to ensure smooth movements of buyers, sellers, cattle, visitors and vehicles.
‘To strengthen security, all cattle markets will be brought under CCTV surveillance. Police camps and watch towers will also be set up,’ he said.
When asked about the possible surge of counterfeit notes like previous years, the DMP spokesperson said, ‘We will provide 150 to 160 fake note detection machines in the markets.’
He added that the city corporations, lessees and banks had also been requested to arrange additional machines.
Nasiruddin said that a special drive was launched against fake note rings since May 1 and several suspected criminals were arrested along with a large number of counterfeit notes and fake note making equipment in separate operations.
In addition, the DMP will provide escort services for safe transportation of money like the past year.
He also said that the DMP was on high alert regarding possible robbery and extortion attempts around Eid.
