Mobile court bans horse meat sales in Gazipur

A mobile court has conducted an operation in Hyderabad area under Gazipur Metropolitan's Sadar Metro police station to cease the sale of horse meat. 

The move comes following recent controversy over horse meat sales in the area. Citing public health and ethical concerns, the authorities have prohibited the slaughter and sale of horse meat.

The raid was carried out yesterday (18 March) by Gazipur Sadar Circle's Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Jalal Uddin, along with Gazipur Sadar Upazila Livestock Officer Dr Mohammad Shahin Mia.

During the operation, meat seller Shafiqul Islam was summoned and strictly warned against slaughtering and selling horse meat. Authorities ordered the immediate cessation of sales and announced regular monitoring to ensure compliance.

The sale of horse meat has sparked mixed reactions among locals. On Monday (17 March), Dhaka Divisional Commissioner and Gazipur City Corporation Administrator Sharaf Uddin Chowdhury discussed the issue with journalists, where demands were raised to ban horse meat sales. The following day, the authorities conducted the raid.

Gazipur Sadar Upazila Livestock Officer Dr Mohammad Shahin Mia said, "According to the Animal Slaughter and Meat Control Act of 2011, slaughtering animals and selling meat without health inspection and a valid licence is a punishable offence, with provisions for up to one year of imprisonment and fines."

According to local sources, residents Shafiqul Islam and Nurullah Mamun were inspired by their visit to Dubai a few years ago, where they observed horse meat being sold in restaurants. Upon returning to Bangladesh, they initially slaughtered a horse for personal consumption. Later, at the beginning of this year, they set up a shop in Hyderabad area to commercially slaughter and sell horse meat.

Initially, the meat was sold only on Fridays at Tk250 per kg. Though the business started on a small scale, it gained popularity over time, leading to an increase in demand. 

At one point, up to 10 horses were being slaughtered for sale, with customers queuing up with tokens to purchase the meat. Due to rising demand, the price eventually increased to Tk300 per kg.

Executive Magistrate Jalal Uddin said, "Slaughtering and selling horse meat is unconventional in Bangladesh. Various quarters have raised objections regarding this practice, leading us to conduct the operation."

"Shafiqul Islam has been warned not to slaughter or sell horse meat. If he does not comply, legal action will be taken under the 2011 Animal Slaughter Act from Wednesday onwards," he added.