Dhaka: Dhaka North and South City Corporations have undertaken comprehensive measures to ensure the efficient removal of sacrificial animal waste during the holy Eid-ul-Azha in the capital. Approximately 29,500 personnel are prepared across the two city corporations to manage waste disposal within the designated period.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, both city corporations have cancelled Eid holidays for sanitation department officials and employees to guarantee uninterrupted waste management operations. Special hotlines are being established for residents, while around 1.77 million plastic, poly, and biodegradable bags are distributed to aid in waste collection and disposal. Officials have indicated that waste removal activities will officially commence in the afternoon on Eid day.
An estimated 700,000 sacrificial animals are expected to be slaughtered in Dhaka this year, resulting in nearly 55,000 tonnes of waste. Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Freedom Fighter Md Abdus Salam informed BSS that a special monitoring council, comprising senior officials, is in place to oversee cattle markets and waste management activities. The leave of officials and staff from waste management, transport, and mechanical divisions has been cancelled to ensure they are prepared for field operations.
The DSCC aims to begin the main waste removal operation at noon on Eid day, with the goal of eliminating the first day’s sacrificial waste within the following eight hours. Residents are urged not to dispose of sacrificial waste in drains or sewers, as this could lead to disease spread and severe waterlogging during rainfall.
DSCC Public Relations Officer Md. Russell Rahman stated that extensive plans have been made to transport and dispose of waste at the Matuail sanitary landfill. A total of 33,942 tonnes of waste is scheduled for removal over May 28, 29, and 30, with 15,935 tonnes on the first day, 11,776 tonnes on the second day, and 6,231 tonnes on the third day. The removal of bamboo structures, thatching, and other waste from cattle markets will proceed in phases.
Approximately 174,000 animals are anticipated to be sacrificed within the DSCC area. A fleet of 2,117 vehicles and equipment, including compactors, dump trucks, and water tankers, will be deployed for waste removal. To support cleaning efforts, 46 tonnes of bleaching powder, 210 gallons of Savlon, and 140,000 biodegradable bags will be distributed. Operations will be monitored from a central control room at Nagar Bhaban, with separate control rooms at each cattle market. Executive magistrates will maintain law and order, alongside medical teams for animal healthcare services. Two hotline numbers have been established for citizen complaints.
Meanwhile, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan reported that awareness campaigns on waste management are being conducted through loudspeaker announcements in each ward. Imams are also encouraging cleanliness during prayers and Friday sermons. DNCC removed 20,889 tonnes of waste during last year’s Eid-ul-Azha and is prepared to handle a similar volume this year.
DNCC Deputy Chief Waste Management Officer Md. Mofizur Rahman Bhuiyan informed BSS that, besides the corporation’s 6,500 sanitation workers, an additional 4,500 waste collectors and about 5,500 volunteers will be deployed. DNCC has distributed 1.63 million poly bags for waste collection and 3,600 sacks of bleaching powder as disinfectants. A total of 752 vehicles and equipment, including trucks and compactor trucks, are ready for use.
DNCC Public Relations Officer Md. Jobayer Hossain stated that approximately 1,000 meat processors across 54 wards are being trained for proper animal slaughtering and waste management. Monitoring teams began operations three days before Eid, with instructions to prepare slaughtering sites and landfills for final waste disposal. Officials from both city corporations are optimistic that public cooperation will enable the capital to be cleared of sacrificial waste within the targeted timeframe.