Amid the alarming Covid-19 surge, the city authorities of Chittagong have decided to allow only three temporary cattle haats (open markets) in the city - following a set of 17 conditions.
The cattle markets will be set up in Karnaphuli, Saltgola Rail Crossing and Patenga Butterfly Park areas, and will be open to the public from July 12.
Currently, there are three permanent cattle markets at Sagarika, Bibirhat and Postarpar Bazar.
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The conditions for setting up the temporary markets include:
- Installing the haats 100 feet away from the main roads
- Paying 20% lease money as revenue
- Ensuring there are no additional stump for cattle outside the market
- Enforcing Covid-19 health guidelines
- Ensuring hand sanitization at the entry and exit points of the markets
- Maintaining social distancing, wearing facemasks
There will be one entrance and one exit point in each cattle market, and the visitors must avoid crowds, sources in the local administration said.
The haats will be kept under CCTV surveillance and the authorities have been asked to recruit volunteers to ensure security.
Mohammad Nazrul Islam, chief revenue officer of Chittagong City Corporation, said: "We have sought approval of installing seven temporary cattle haats, but the local administration approved for only three."
Earlier on Sunday, Fisheries and Livestock Minister SM Rezaul Karim said the government would not allow entry of any cattle from outside the country for Eid-ul-Azha sacrifice.
