The government has taken several initiatives to celebrate the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha in a festive manner, as this is the first time that the Muslim festival will be celebrated in the country since the withdrawal of Covid-19 restrictions.
The Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, and the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development held separate inter-ministerial meetings at the secretariat over the Eid preparations on Wednesday. The availability of sacrificial animals, maintenance of the animal market, waste management, and other issues were discussed.
During a press conference after the meeting, Fisheries and Livestock Minister SM Rezaul Karim assured that there would be no shortage of sacrificial animals.
"Over 12,536,000 sacrificial animals are ready across the country for Qurbani (Sacrifice) during Eid-ul-Azha, which is 411,000 more than the previous year,” he said.
Sick animals will not be allowed to be sold at cattle markets across the country, and the authorities would ensure that no buyer or seller faces harassment, the minister added.
He further said additional security forces would be deployed to maintain law and order at the cattle markets.
“No vehicles carrying cattle will be forced to stop on highways and roads, and law enforcement agencies, in municipalities, upazilas, union parishads and city corporations will ensure the same,” said Rezaul.
Mentioning that the supply of domestic animals is sufficient to meet up this year's demand, the minister said: “The Home Ministry has been asked to increase surveillance in the border area to prevent animal smuggling.”
He also said facilities will be available for cashless transactions at cattle markets, and that several measures have been taken to bolster the online cattle market.
After another inter-ministerial meeting, LGRD Minister Tajul Islam said instructions have been given to the authorities concerned to clear sacrificial animal waste by evening of the Eid day.
“Animal waste is usually removed by the evening. This time too, the same instructions have been given. Besides, animals will have to be sacrificed at designated places,” he said.
Efforts have been made to ensure that there will be no pollution from sacrificial animal waste, the minister added.
When asked about the cattle markets, the minister could not give a specific number but hinted that the number of cattle markets will be increased this time as Covid-19 restrictions are not in effect.
The authorities concerned were also instructed to conduct mobile courts to ensure safety at the cattle market.
Furthermore, law enforcement teams will be deployed to prevent the use of forged currency.
