Cattle markets won’t be set up in densely populated areas: DNCC

Considering public health hazards due to minimal social distancing measures, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) will not set up cattle markets at densely populated areas in Dhaka north ahead of this Eid-ul-Adha.

DNCC Mayor Atiqul Islam said this in a video message to the media from the Nagar Bhaban on Thursday afternoon, said a press release issued by DNCC.

Mayor Atiqul said, "Crores of taka can be earned by leasing these places to set up haats of sacrificial animals, but people's lives are more worthy than money."

"Therefore, I have instructed all to set up these markets in less densely populated areas so that traders can sell animals and also the public health is protected," added Atiqul.

The mayor said unlike in the previous years, the DNCC will not set up big cattle markets in densely populated areas like Tejgaon, Aftab Nagar and Bhashantek area of the capital.

The city corporation will not set up big markets in Sectors -10, 11 and 12 in Uttara as well despite that these markets brought in Tk4.72 crore in revenue last year.

This year cattle markets will be set up at the Brindabon area of Uttara sector-17, Bosila area of Mohammadpur, Mostul Dumni area near Purbachal Bridge and Syed Nagar Area at 100ft Road in Kawla.

The permanent cattle market in Gabtoli will also be functional this year for selling sacrificial animals.

The mayor also said all markets belonging to the DNCC area will have to abide by the health and safety guidelines to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

He also requested the city residents not to bring their children, old people or physically ill people to the markets to buy animals.

The mayor said the leaseholders will be instructed to keep cows at least 5 feet away from each other in the cattle markets and they must ensure that markets must have adequate basins and hand washing facilities for buyers.

Awareness messages will also be given to the citizens in frequent intervals through loudspeakers present in the markets.

The mayor said, "Magistrates will patrol all the markets on our behalf. Leaseholders have to be careful and must follow the instructions; otherwise the lease will be canceled."

Regarding the disposal of waste of sacrificial animals, the mayor said like every year the DNCC is ready to remove the waste within 24 hours.

He requested the citizens to conduct the sacrificial activities in the designated places fixed by the city corporation and not to throw the waste remains in the gutters under any circumstances.