The government is working to ensure that traders are not extorted while transporting sacrificial animals ahead of Eid‑ul‑Azha, said LGRD State Minister Mir Shahe Alam today.
“We can assure on behalf of the government that those transporting sacrificial animals on the roads will face no extortion. Even if any such incidents occur, law enforcement agencies will deal with it strictly,” he said while responding to questions from journalists at the capital’s Gabtoli this morning.
Earlier, the state minister inspected the management of the Gabtoli cattle market and the progress of construction of a new road leading to the Gabtoli bus terminal.
Stressing regulation, Shahe Alam said cattle markets would not be allowed to operate indiscriminately outside designated areas.
“Law enforcement agencies and the two city corporations will take measures in this regard,” he added.
He noted that every year the cattle market causes significant traffic congestion, forcing passengers travelling to and from Dhaka to endure long delays. Vehicle schedules are also disrupted.
“We will try to ensure that buyers and sellers can trade without disruption and that there is no traffic congestion on the roads,” he said.
The state minister said a new road was being constructed in the area and would be completed within the next couple of days.
“It is a bypass or service road. Once completed, it will significantly reduce congestion between Gabtoli and Amin Bazar,” he said.
To ensure security at cattle markets, police will be joined by the army and the Rapid Action Battalion (Rab), he said, adding that other law enforcement agencies, including the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), would be deployed if necessary.
Responding to another question, the junior minister said unforeseen situations sometimes arise.
“If 100,000 cattle are expected at the Gabtoli market but 103,000 arrive — traders do not inform us beforehand how much cattle they will bring,” he said, adding that these cause problems and the government would monitor such issues.
“We are working — the ministry, law enforcement agencies and administrators, to take all necessary measures so that people do not suffer and can move comfortably. We will remain active in the field for the benefit of the public,” the state minister added.