Steps taken to check extortion on roads, at cattle markets: Home Minister

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Sunday said necessary steps have been taken to prevent extortion at cattle markets and from cattle-laden vehicles on highways.

“No cattle-laden vehicle will be halted on roads without specific allegation. So, there’s no chance of extortion halting vehicles on roads. Action will be taken if anyone halts cattle-laden vehicles on roads,” he said.

The minister came up with the information while talking to reporters after a meeting on law-and-order situation ahead of the Eid-ul-Azha.

“No cattle market will be allowed alongside roads and highways across the country. The deputy commissioners and UNOs concerned of the flood-affected areas will select place for cattle market,” he said. 

Rab, police will remain deployed at makeshift cattle haats while there will be close circuit cameras for monitoring. Besides, the government has asked to hang a chart of ‘Hasil’ at the cattle markets, said Asaduzzaman.

Issuing a note of warning, the home minister said strong vigilance will be ensured along the border to check the smuggling of rawhide of the sacrificial animals.

Besides, the garment workers will go on eid holidays from August 8 in phases to avoid traffic jams centering the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha.

“A decision was taken to provide leave to the garment workers. Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) will look after the matter in a coordinated way under our watch,” he said.

The garment owners have been asked to provide Eid bonus and arrears before the eid, he said.

The law enforcement agencies will remain vigil to prevent carrying of passengers in buses, launches and trains beyond their capacities, said the minister.

Asked about charging extra fare during eid, he said transport owners’ representatives have assured that instant action will be taken if anyone found involved in realising fare from passengers.