Photo: Messenger
Once again, directives are being disregarded in practice. Despite strict instructions from road transport and law enforcement agencies prohibiting cattle markets one week before Eid, these orders have been defied. Cattle markets have begun to emerge along the highways since yesterday.
The responsible authorities claim that city corporations grant permission for these markets. If these markets are not strictly controlled immediately, passengers will face severe traffic congestion during their eagerly awaited Eid journeys. Severe traffic is anticipated at 118 points on national and regional highways, with 60 of these locations being identified as severe congestion hotspots.
A survey by Road Transport Authority (BRTA) and administration officials found that 202 temporary cattle markets are being set up along the highways across the country for Eid-ul-Azha, of which 103 are temporary. Police anticipate traffic congestion at least 118 important points on the highways due to these markets. The Dhaka-Chattogram highway faces the highest risk of congestion. Many markets are setting up in areas like Sayedabad, Dholaikhal, Dania-Shonir Akhara on the way to the southern region. Severe traffic is also feared on the Dhaka-Tangail and Dhaka-Mymensingh highways for northern travel, as many cattle markets will be set up along the Gazipur side of the highways.
As many as 39 points have already been identified on the Dhaka-Chittagong highway where severe traffic congestion is likely. Notable among them are Madhabdi Bus Stand, Shekherchar, Panchdona Intersection, Bholanagar in Narsingdi and Tarabo in Rupganj of Narayanganj. Due to cattle markets, police fear traffic congestion at 35 points on the Dhaka-North Bengal highway, causing immense suffering for people. Notable points include Chondra Intersection in Kaliakair of Gazipur, Sombhar CNG filling station, new and old EPZs in Ashulia of Dhaka, Balibadro, the highway stretch from Bhuapur Link Road to Bangabandhu Bridge East Police Station area in Tangail. Severe traffic is also likely at five points, including Bhawanipur Bus Stand, Seed Store and Hotapara Bus Stand in Gazipur Sadar upazila, on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway.
According to the police headquarters' apprehension, the process of setting up 202 cattle markets is complete in eight districts along the national and regional highways. The movement of cattle-laden trucks to these markets will cause severe traffic congestion on these highways. Regarding this, Highway Police Chief and Additional IGP Md Shahabuddin Khan told the media, “We will coordinate with the local administration to keep the road and highway traffic normal. Strict directives have been given to the leaseholders to ensure that the cattle markets do not spill over onto the highways.”
Md Mozammel Haque Chowdhury, General Secretary of Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity, told The Daily Messenger, “The overall condition of the highways is better than before. However, defying the government's directives in view of Eid, those setting up markets have raised the fear of severe traffic congestion during the Eid journey. The government should take action immediately.”
Kefayat Shakil, Convener of Jatri Adhikar Andolon, told The Daily Messenger, “During Eid-ul-Azha, when people return home, there is extreme crowding. Amid this, cattle markets are set up along the highways. Every year, there is a lot of discussion about this but no solution. Despite warnings from the Road Transport Minister or law enforcement agencies not to allow markets before Eid, it has no practical implementation.”
This time, the highest number of 100 cattle markets are being set up in the greater Cumilla area along the highways. Of these, 27 are permanent and 73 are temporary. Notable markets include Mirswari Cattle Market, Bagmara Bazar, Bijra Bazar, Sanchail Bazar, Nuritola Cattle Market, Kongshonogor Bazar, Bipulsar Bazar, Kerani Hat, Setubhanga and Jamidarhat.
In Gazipur, 15 cattle markets are being set up in areas adjacent to the highways. Of these, 9 are permanent and 6 are temporary. Notable markets include in front of Safipur Ansar Academy, Bhabanipur Muktijoddha College Field, Ulail, Mahmudabad Namapara and Pirojpur Hat.
In Bogura, 11 permanent and 6 temporary cattle markets will be set up along the highways. Notable among them are Monshura Ali Degree College Field in Nandigram, Kundarhat Bazar, Tengramagur Bazar, Ranirhat, Mokamtola Degree College Field and Dhanaidah Cattle Market.
In Khulna, all 20 cattle markets along the highways are permanent. Notable ones include Charavita Cattle Market, Madrasa Bazar Hat, the market beside Lebutala Primary School, Barinagar Bazar Hat and Bhatar Amtala Hat.
In the Rangpur division, along with 9 permanent markets, 5 temporary cattle markets are being set up in areas adjacent to the highways. These include Phashitala Bazar, Dhaper Hat Bazar, Bhojonpur Bazar and Tetulia Bazar Hat.
In Madaripur, 10 cattle markets are being set up in areas adjacent to the highways, of which 7 are permanent and 3 temporary. Notable markets include Chandibardi Bazar, Sonar Bangla Cattle Market and the market beside Sakura Oil Pump.
In the Sylhet division, along with 5 permanent markets, 3 temporary ones are being set up in areas adjacent to the highways. Notable markets include Gowalabazar, Saidpur Bazar and Mirpur Bazar.
In Mymensingh, 18 markets are being set up along the national and regional highways, of which 11 are permanent and 7 temporary. Notable ones include Ledua Bazar School Field Cattle Market, Tarerhat Bazar, Nandail Chourasta, Jhalua Bazar, Khicha Bazar Hat and Tinani Para Hat.
According to the authorities concerned, If only the 60 most important of the 202 highway-centric cattle markets can be controlled, traffic congestion will be greatly reduced.
Meanwhile, it was observed yesterday that despite the decision of the Roads and Highways Division not to allow markets along the highways, the directive was defied and a cattle market was set up along the Dhaka-Chittagong Highway at Shonir Akhra (Dania College Field), constricting the road for traffic. It is learned that this market has been leased by Md. Kamruzzaman from Dhaka South City Corporation. The overall supervision of the market is under Ward Councilor 62 of Dhaka South City, Mostaque Ahmed. Kamruzzaman was also the lessee of this market in 2023. That year, traders were aggrieved due to mismanagement causing problems with water, toilets and accommodation.
Although sacrificial animals are supposed to arrive five days before Eid, like previous years, they are arriving a few days earlier this time too. Regarding this, Ward Councilor 62 of Dhaka South City and the overall supervisor of the cattle market, Mostaque Ahmed, told the media that the rule is to bring in cattle five days before. But traders have started bringing them in earlier. When asked about the market being set up along the highway, he said to ask the lessee.
Messenger/Disha
