CHATTOGRAM, June 12, 2024 (BSS) - Sacrificial animals from across the country have started pouring into the cattle markets in the port city and its adjoining 14 upazilas of the district ahead of the Eid-ul-Azha.
 
Authorities have taken tight security measures through engaging members of police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Ansar side by side plainclothes men of law enforcers in and outside of the cattle markets as well as city entry points to ensure safety for traders and cattle.
 
Commissioner of Chattogram Police (CMP) Krisno Pada Roy at a meeting recently said that the cattle markets in the port city will be strictly monitored using cameras and drones.
 
He said multiple security arrangements have been made for city cattle markets. Besides, fake note detection devices will be available in every cattle market to detect the counterfeit notes, he said.
 
Talking to BSS, a number of cattle traders have expressed satisfaction over the security steps taken ahead of Eid by the authorities to make their ways safe.
 
Nur-Alam from Rajshahi at city's Bibirhat Bazar and Sayed Alam Bepary hailed from Teknaf in Cox's Bazar at Sagarika Bazar here said they did not pay extortion on their way to the market or at market venue till today.
 
While visiting a number of traditional, makeshift cattle markets and a few mini markets in the port city, it was observed that the cattle heads started reaching in good numbers and the selling and buying got momentum.
 
Traders and market sources apprehend that prices of sacrificial animals would be a little bit high this year compared to the previous years.
 
Abdul Alam at Bibirhat Bazar who came from Kushtia district told BSS that he brought 21 big size cows to Chattogram market for sale but he had not to count any money as toll.
 
There are eight cattle markets including six temporary ones under the supervision of Chattogram City Corporation (CCC).
 
Selling and buying of sacrificial animals have already gained momentum at the temporary markets from Sunday and will continue till midnight of 16 June.
 
Kabir Hossain, acting Superintendent of Chattogram district police also said they have taken adequate security measures to curb the crimes in and around the cattle markets.
 
Nearly 150 RAB personnel have been deployed in the different cattle markets, strategic points in the city as well as highways for safety and security of the traders as well as buyers, RAB, sources said.