Dhaka to get 16 temp cattle markets for Eid

Ferdous Mannan, a businessman, has been under pressure from his only son, who is studying at a private university, to buy a big cow for this Eid-ul-Azha.

Mannan, having saved some money, hopes to purchase sacrificial animals from the Aftabnagar cattle market near his home.

Eid-ul-Azha holds significant importance among the Muslims, and many Dhaka residents, like Mannan, prefer buying animals from cattle markets near their homes.

To cater to the needs of city dwellers during the Eid and ensure convenience, Dhaka South and North City Corporations have decided to establish 16 makeshift cattle markets this Eid.

Among these, eight will be set up in Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), and another eight will be in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). Additionally, sacrificial animals will also be available for sale at DSCC’s Sarulia and DNCC’s Gabtali permanent cattle markets.

Officials from both city corporations said they have invited bidding to lease out these 16 temporary cattle markets. The lease agreements are expected to be finalised by the middle of this month. The lease period for these temporary cattle markets will be five days, including the day of Eid.

According to DNCC, bidding for the eight cattle markets were invited on May 2. These markets will be set up at vacant land adjacent to Vatara (Sayed Nagar), Uttara Diabari Sector 16 and 18 adjacent to Bau Bazaar area, Badda Eastern Housing of Aftab Nagar Block B to H vacant land, Mirpur Section 6 vacant land of Eastern Housing, Basila of Mohammadpur, Dhaka Polytechnic Institute playground, Kaola’s Sealdanga adjacent vacant land, and Ward 44 Kachkura in Baharipara Rahman Nagar Residential Project area.

DNCC’s Chief Executive Officer, Md Selim Reza, informed The Business Post that the lease notification for the temporary cattle markets has been published this year. A 5 per cent cleaning fee of the lease value of each market will be charged. The rules and regulations implemented during the coronavirus period for operating the stalls will remain the same, with a focus on health and safety.

When asked about digital markets, Selim mentioned that it is under discussion and part of their plan. If everything goes well, they will arrange digital market as they have done in previous years.

On the other hand, DSCC invited bidding for the lease of eight markets on April 27.

According to the tender, the temporary cattle market in DSCC will be located in the open areas adjacent to the Institute of Leather Technology College, Postagola Crematorium, Meradia

Bazar, Little Friends Club, Kamalapur Stadium, Dania College in Jatrabari, Dholaikhal truck stand, Rahmatganj Club in Lalbagh, and Amulia Model Town.

DSCC’s Chief Estate Officer, Md Rasel Sabrin, stated that sacrificial animals will also be sold at Sarulia, a permanent cattle market located outside the eight temporary markets of DSCC.

The city corporation is making preparations to ensure proper sales in all markets.