Members of illegal syndicates are likely to use 13 points through the Bangladesh-India border to traffic cattle hide this year surrounding the Eid-ul-Azha festival, according to a report by a state-run intelligence agency.
The report, which was submitted last week to the Home Ministry, recommended law enforcement agencies including the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB)remain alert on the identified routes for stopping the trafficking of cattle hide.
The intelligence agency also recommended setting up police check-posts in Savar, Joydebpur intersection, Kanchpur Bridge, Ashulia, Manikganj and Sultana Kamal Bridge to prevent traffickers from moving cattle hide out of the capital.
The report also mentioned that a group of Indian cattle hide traders already entered the country and begun their activities by joining hands with local syndicates in the southern and northern regions.
On September 20, a special meeting in this regard was also held at the police headquarters.
In the meeting, Inspector General of Police Hassan Mahmood Khandker directed all law enforcers to take necessary steps to stop cattle hide trafficking including setting up check-posts and camps.
He added that a special monitoring cell in this regard would also operate from September 25 to October 8. The IGP further asked the police force to stay alert round-the-clock so that no unwanted situation takes places during either Eid-ul-Azha or the Durga Puja festivities.
According to the report, cattle hide from Jessore, Khulna, Satkhira, Patkolghat, Kaliganj are likely to be trafficked through Benapole and Satkhira’s Kolaroa points, cattle hide from Jhenaidah, Magura, Shailkupa, Kotchandpur, Maheshpur areas through Jibannagar, and cattle hide from Chuadanga, Kushtia, Allahrdorga, Daulatpur and Alamdanga is likely to be moved through Meherpur and Darshana points.
Cattle hide from Natore is likely to be trafficked through Chapainawabganj Shona Masjid and Rajshahi’s Godagari points, cattle hide from Sylhet and Maulvibazar through Jaflong’s Tamabil and Karimganj points, and cattle hide from Dinajpur and Thakurgaon is likely to be trafficked through their own respective districts as they share the border with India.
The intelligence report also mentioned the names of 12 wholesale cattle hide markets where monitoring is needed. They are: Natore sadar, Polashbari in Gaibandha, Taraganj in Rangpur, Mataji in Naogaon, Rajarhat in Jessore, Elliotganj in Comilla, Pakutia in Tangail, Haluaghat in Mymensingh, Shambhuganj, Kishoreganj sadar, Tongi in Gazipur and Aminbazar in Savar.
Seeking anonymity, a senior official at the police headquarters told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday that the Home Ministry had recently issued an order asking to keep an eye on 12 wholesale cattle hide market to prevent cattle hide from being trafficked through the border within a week of Eid.
The ministry directive also included ensuring smooth passage of vehicles carrying cattle hide into the capital, the official added.
Asked about the issue, Monirul Islam, joint commissioner of the Detective Branch of police, said steps have already been taken steps to ensure that no truck leaves Dhaka with cattle hide.
However, smooth passage would be provided if any truck wanted to enter in the capital with cattle hide, he added.