In several parts of the capital, makeshift cattle markets have been set up on the roads without taking permission from the authorities concerned.
These cattle markets, occupying more than half of the main roads, are causing severe traffic congestion in different areas of the city.
Even though the designated cattle markets were scheduled to open today (Thursday), sales of animals began in many of these markets few days back.
Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) set up nine and 11 makeshift cattle markets respectively.
DSCC gave permission to set up a temporary cattle market on an empty space around the Dholaikhal Truck Terminal area. But animals are being sold mostly on the road.
During visit to the Dholaikhal cattle market, it was seen that cattle market has been set up along the main road in the area. Traders are bringing cattle from different districts and unloading them right in the middle of the roads. Additionally, cattle are being tied with temporary posts on both sides of the road where buying and selling are taking place.
Mohammad Ali, a trader who brought cattle from Madaripur, said, “We brought 18 cows from Madaripur. We don’t know where to keep cattle. The market officials told us to keep cattle on this main road in Dayaganj. We don’t want to block the road with our cattle. And the police or administration haven’t barred us from keeping cattle here.”
Nazrul Islam, assistant police commissioner of DMP’s Kotwali zone, said, “The location of the cattle market has been specified in the lease. Legal action will be taken if there is a cow market outside it.”
Though the cattle market was supposed to be set up in the vacant area adjacent to Meradia Market, most of the animals are being kept on the alleys of South Banasree residential area.
Shariful Islam, a resident of South Banasree, said, “Every year a market named Meradia cattle market is set up in the area. Eid is supposed to be a time of joy, but for the people in this area, it has become a cause of suffering. Because the lessees are influential, we can’t say anything.”
Mostak Ahmed, a resident of South Banasree, said, “When I leave the house, the stench of cattle waste is very distressing. We requested the authority that cattle not be brought to the residential area.”
Although a temporary cattle market was leased on the vacant land adjacent to Dania College, this cattle market always moved to the Dania College ground.
Kizer Mohammad Farabi, Chief Estate Officer of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), said “There is no permission to keep cows or set up market on the roads. Necessary steps will be taken if cattle markets sit on the road.”
Although a temporary cattle market has been leased on vacant land adjacent to the Dhaka Polytechnic Institute, the market is set up every year in the Polytechnic’s playground. All the activities, from haasil ghar to cattle market, are around this field. This time, the lessee has also almost completed all the works of the cattle market in the playground.
Every year, the sacrificial animals of this market are sold on the roads, footpaths and alleys inside the Tejgaon industrial area.
Additional Police Commissioner (Crime and Operations) of the DMP, Dr Kh Mahid Uddin, said, “No cattle are allowed on the roads in the capital. No markets can be set up on the roads. Legal action will be taken against anyone who sets up markets.”
“The DMP Commissioner has made it clear that no cattle markets can be set up on any road in the capital. If anyone does, action will be taken against them,” he added.
