Dhaka: Bangladesh Railway (BR) today urged all not to set up makeshift cattle markets adjacent to railway tracks or on its grounds without prior permission. In a press release issued today, BR emphasized that no illegal cattle markets would be permitted on railway land or near railway tracks during the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the BR authority has already dispatched a demi-official letter to deputy commissioners (DCs) to ensure compliance with this directive. Railways Secretary Md Fahimul Islam, who signed the letter, highlighted that these makeshift markets often disregard proper security guidelines when set up on BR land or near railway tracks, posing security risks to the public and disrupting train operations.
The letter warns that illegal cattle markets on BR property or near railway tracks could lead to unfortunate incidents and disrupt train schedules during Eid, an outcome deemed undesirable. It stressed the government's commitment to protecting public property and ensuring public safety, reiterating BR's stance against unauthorized cattle markets on railway land.
To address local demand, the letter outlines that cattle markets may be established with proper permission. However, those granted leases must construct fences near the railway tracks to prevent disruptions to train movements, ensuring public safety and smooth train operations in collaboration with local administration, police, and BR authority.
Underlining the urgency of the situation, the letter requests all DCs to notify Bangladesh Railway after taking the necessary measures. It also mentions potential locations for authorized cattle markets on BR land and adjacent areas in the districts of Molvibazar, Bogura, Dinajpur, Gopalganj, Faridpur, Rajbari, Kushtia, and Chuadanga.
Earlier, adviser to the ministries of road transport and bridges and railways, Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, declared that cattle markets would not be permitted on roads and highways throughout the country.