A number of syndicates mostly led by a section of leaders of the ruling party and its associated bodies have taken control of the cattle markets in the capital like in recent years.
Dhaka South and North City Corporation officials confirmed that they had set up 19 temporary cattle markets in the capital. Of them 11 are under Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) and eight under Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC).
Nurul Islam Sagar, youth and sports secretary of the proposed Badda Thana Awami League committee, and Chhatra League president of the Badda Thana Wasifur Rahman Babu took out the lease on the cattle market.
The Chhatra League leaders told the Dhaka Tribune over phone that nothing wrong happened this year in the leasing process as the local leaders are united under the leadership of MP advocate Rahmatullah.
He also said this year party grass-root activists will be benefited.
Just next to Aftabnagar Cattle Market another prominent market is Meradia Cattle Market. That too was given lease to Awami League leader ABM Ahmadullah Poppi, organising secretary of Swechchasebak League (Dhaka Metropolitan South).
Poppi said: “There is no political chaos in the market. I along with my party activists and some local volunteers are looking after it.”
In Agargaon, the northern part of the capital, the cattle market drew huge negative criticism as it is located near two major hospitals. SM Jahid, a Jubo League leader, took a lease on the market for Tk2,78,60,000.
Earlier, Jahangir Alam, a president candidate for AL Ward 28 and president of Mamota Bahumukhi Samabaya Samity, wanted to take out a lease on the Agargaon Cattle Market.
But Jahangir, 45, was shot dead by some assailants in front of his West Agargaon residence, police sources said the party internal feud over the tender for the cattle market led to his murder.
DSCC Ward 69 Awami League President Elias Rashid was the highest bidder for Armanitola Cattle Market, the largest market in the capital. He got the lease for Tk4,01,11,507.
The highest bidding for the free space in Khilkhet Banarupa Housing was Tk62,00,000. Owner of the M/S Mizan Enterprise and Awami League leader secured the lease.
