19 cattle markets to open next week in Dhaka

At least 19 temporary sacrificial animal markets are set to open next week across Dhaka, officials said on Monday, despite a severely deteriorating Covid-19 situation.

The markets are set to open for five days from 17 to 21 July. However, some markets are already seeing buyers and sellers coming in.

According to city corporation officials, 10 temporary cattle markets are set to open in different areas of the Dhaka South City Corporations (DSCC), and nine in Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC).

DSCC has authorised to set up markets in open places including the Institute of Leather Technology grounds in Hazaribagh, open places adjacent to Postogola-Shoshan Ghat, Meradia Bazar, Dholaikhal Truck terminal, etc.

Meanwhile, DNCC too has authorised to set up markets in open places, including areas adjacent to Kawla Shialdanga, Uttarkhan Shahid Nagar Housing project, Bhatara, Rajdhani Housing in Mohammadpur's Basila, etc. In addition, a cattle market, one of the biggest in the city, will be set up in Gabtoli of Mirpur.

Due to rising Covid-19 infections and deaths, the government imposed a strict lockdown earlier this month. Despite the restrictions, Covid-19 has continued to rage across the country. Experts are fearing, the situation might get worse due to gatherings in the upcoming Eid.

Considering the situation, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock on Monday urged sacrificial animal buyers and sellers to use the dedicated online cattle markets launched by both DNCC and DSCC authorities.

However, ignoring the government's call, buyers and sellers are already crowding some markets, including one at 100 feet in the capital's Notun Bazar. Visiting the market on Monday, The Business Standard saw around 300 cows already up for sale.

One seller, Solayman Hossain from Kushtia brought nine cows to sell before Eid.

"We are waiting for customers with some selected cows," he told TBS.