We applaud moves by authorities to take more advance measures this year to improve management of animal markets and traffic during the forthcoming Eid-ul-Azha festival.
Dhaka’s mayors have announced that over 400 spots will be allocated there for sacrificing an estimated 300,000 cattle. Following a recommendation by the prime minister, this year is the first time Dhaka residents are being asked to sacrifice animals in designated spots, instead of anywhere they like. Councilors, imams, and traders are all being asked to inform and encourage people to use designated spaces.
Allied with the move by the city corporations to set up a total of 16 make-shift cattle markets, this step should make it easier for authorities to deal with the problems which are sometimes associated with the large demand for cows to slaughter during Eid-ul-Azha.
In response to public concerns about some Dhaka North cattle markets previously set up on streets and around schools and hospitals, it is planned to relocate these facilities to nearby places where better security and management can be ensured.
Measures to improve sanitation, reduce nuisance, and root out gangs which use counterfeit notes or inject health threatening hormones to fatten cattle ahead of Eid, should become easier to implement.
The tighter restriction of spaces for animal-trading and slaughters should also help police and law enforcers to take more effective precautions in preventing crimes at such places. Evening banking will be introduced at cattle markets to reduce the need to carry large amounts of cash and help stop mugging and similar crimes.
We trust such advance preparations will also make it easier for authorities to clean the city after Eid-ul-Azha. It is welcome to see more preparations being taken to improve conditions for the public and animals during this important festival.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
