Police have decided not to allow any cattle market to be set up on the streets in the capital before the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha in order to avoid unwanted traffic congestion.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia told a press briefing at Mohakhali bus terminal yesterday that the decision was also aimed at preventing crimes that generally are committed at such places.
“We have seen in the past that people remain worried about falling prey to dope gangs at or near cattle markets before Eid. Police are always on alert, and will always be, to capture such criminals,” he said.
“There is no way for these offenders to get away with their crimes. They will face lawsuits and will be unable to obtain bail. The cases will be lodged on a range of charges such as mugging, looting and even murder.”
The DMP chief said members of police, RAB and Armed Police Battalion would work together to check crimes before Eid. “Plain-clothes police and detectives will also assist regular forces.”
This year, a total of 16 makeshift cattle markets will be established, ten in Dhaka South City Corporation and six in Dhaka North City Corporation areas.
“Cattle markets set up mostly on streets in Armanitola, Banani and Agargaon will be relocated to nearby places while security at all cattle markets will be ensured,” said Asaduzzaman.
“To stop mugging and similar crimes, evening banking will be introduced at cattle markets so that people will not need to carry cash there. There will be also be devices at the markets to detect counterfeit notes.”
Khandaker Enayet Ullah, president of Bangladesh Road Transport Owners’ Association, said transport workers would work with police to raise awareness among people.
DMP Additional Commissioner (crime and operation) Sheikh Maruf Hasan, Additional Commissioner (traffic) Khandaker Golam Faruk and Deputy Commissioner (Tejgaon zone) Biplob Kumar were present at the briefing among others.