Sale of sacrificial animals has officially begun at 19 temporary cattle markets of the two city corporations in Dhaka on Saturday. However, sale of animals started unofficially in a few markets prior to this.
Out of 19 temporary cattle markets, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has 10 temporary and one permanent market in Sarulia. On the other hand, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has 9 and one permanent market in Gabtali.
Sellers claim that due to Friday being a holiday, many people gathered at the market to see the animals, but no sale was made. However, many buyers have claimed to have already made the purchase in order to save further trouble.
Friday was the final day to complete the preparations for the capital's cattle markets. Tenants completed the preparation work in most of the cattle markets.
All the work including construction of bamboo structure to queue the animals, sand in the low lying areas of the market, installation of disinfection tunnels, booths, monitoring committee center was completed.
The main sale of the market began on Saturday. Crowd of buyers and sellers have also increased in the market with time. Most of the buyers are surfing the premises to judge the market and identify the range of price. Others have already found the cattle of their choice and have made the purchase on the spot.
Shourov, a cattle farmer from Manikganj set up his cows in the Hazaribagh Haat (cattle market) of the capital. He came to Dhaka accompanied by his three cows that he wishes to sell.
“Last year I had two cows and I came to Dhaka two days before Eid. This year I came in early with my three cows to try and make the sales early”, he said to the correspondent.
Most sellers at the cattle markets were not seen wearing face masks. They are openly active in the markets ignoring the hygiene protocols. Although disinfectant tunnels and sinks were installed at the gates of the market, no one was seen using them.
Volunteers in the market shared that they move all around the markets to remind and encourage people to wear masks.
“Part of our regular duty now is to keep telling people to wear marks and maintain as much distance as possible”, said a volunteer.
Authorities continue to warn the buyers and sellers about the overall hygiene and safety measures by announcements all over the markets.
In addition to members of the law enforcement force, hundreds of volunteers are working in three shifts at the markets.
