As Eid-ul-Adha approaches, both Dhaka North and Dhaka South City Corporations have been overwhelmed by illegal makeshift cattle markets, causing widespread public sufferings and traffic disruption.
According to officials, a total of 21 legal sacrificial animal markets including both permanent and temporary sites have been approved within the two city corporations. Of these, 13 are located in the Dhaka North (DNCC), while eight fall under the Dhaka South (DSCC) areas.
Most of the leaseholders of makeshift cattle markets and organizers of both legal and illegal markets are local leaders and activists affiliated with Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
However, illegal markets have proliferated far beyond this number, with an estimated 50 unauthorized markets now operating across the two cities. Notably, several have been set up in residential neighborhoods such as Dhanmondi and Mohammadpur, obstructing roads and alleys.
Kala Chan Mia, the leaseholder of the sacrificial animal makeshift market on the open land next to Donia College under DSCC, told the Daily Observer, "Three illegal markets have been set up in our area at Tushar Dhara, City Dhara, and Signboard area. We have informed the DSCC authority, but they are not taking any action on the matter."
Mohammad Moniruzzaman, the leaseholder of the sacrificial animal market on the open land adjacent to the Polytechnic Institute under Dhaka North City Corporation, said, "Around 20 illegal cattle markets have been set up near our makeshift cattle market, including at Lalmatia Ground, Zakir Hossain Ground and Rahim Bepari ground."
Similar allegations were made by Jalal Mridha, the leaseholder of the sacrificial animal makeshift market on the open land next to the 40-feet road in Basila.
He said, "Around 18 illegal cattle markets have been set up in areas including Agargaon Eye Hospital, Chandrima Udyan, and Dhaka Udyan."
Leaseholders told this correspondent that these illegal markets are causing financial losses to the legal market operators.
The markets officially opened on Tuesday, four days before Eid, with livestock arriving in the capital by trucks, trains and even trawlers via the Buriganga, Shitalakshya, Turag and Balu rivers. Market lessees report that around 80 per cent of the sacrificial animals, mostly cows, have already arrived in Dhaka, with more continuing to pour in.
Despite the early arrival of livestock, sales have been sluggish. Vendors note that while many people are visiting markets to check prices. "Only those who have space to keep animals are buying now," said one trader. "The weather and overall crowd have also been unfavorable."
Even though designated areas have been allocated for each market, cattle are spilling over onto surrounding streets and alleys, further exacerbating traffic congestion and public inconvenience. In addition to cows, the markets feature goats, buffaloes, sheep, rams, and even camels though vendors report low demand across the board.
A visit to several markets revealed a large influx of farmers and traders from across the country. Abul Hashem, a trader from Nagarpur in Tangail, brought 13 locally sourced cows to the Dholaikhal market. "Prices are slightly higher this year than last," he noted.
