Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mia has issued strict instructions that no sacrificial cattle markets be set up beside roads, highways or railway lines for the coming Eid.

He also stressed a special drive to recover illegal arms, ensuring passenger safety at ferry terminals and effective steps to control prices around Eid.

He gave the instructions in his address as chair of the district law and order committee meeting at the Chattogram Circuit House conference room on 10 May.

At the meeting he said proposals to settle about 200 political cases had been sent to the Home Ministry last month.

Calling on the administration, law enforcement and others to work together to avoid road accidents and public suffering around Eid-ul-Azha, he said everyone must stay alert to prevent a repeat of road accidents.

Cattle markets may not be set up beside roads, highways or railway lines under any circumstances, the deputy commissioner said. He told the authorities concerned to take a firm stand to prevent traffic jams, and said no cattle market should be held at important sites, including the health complex land in the Karnaphuli area.

He also stressed passenger safety on ferries. At all ferry terminals, including the Kumira-Guptachhara and Sandwip routes, passengers must be taken off buses and trucks before they board a ferry so that they cross safely, he said, and he ordered instructive banners to be put up at the terminals to raise awareness.

The meeting ordered a special drive to recover illegal arms to keep law and order normal. Referring to recent violence and killings, the deputy commissioner said no situation that damages the government's image can be allowed to continue, and ordered strict action against terrorism, displays of arms, extortion and drug dealing.

Price control around Eid was also stressed. The deputy commissioner said a culture of cutting the prices of essentials at festival time, as in developed countries, needs to be built, and he urged traders and everyone concerned to act responsibly.

The meeting reviewed last month's overall crime situation. Discussion focused on law and order, recovering illegal arms, a peaceful Eid-ul-Azha, curbing smuggling, price control and easing traffic jams.

Instructions were given to take steps to cut traffic jams in the Notun Bridge area and on the Chattogram-Cox's Bazar highway. Speakers said keeping footpaths free of encroachment would greatly reduce jams, and that markets and shops on the road and CNG-run auto-rickshaws stopping anywhere must be stopped.

The meeting was told that drives against terrorism, extortion, drug trafficking and drug users will continue. Lists of teenage gangs, drug dealers and criminals will be drawn up and strict action taken with the help of public representatives and local dignitaries.

It was also said that people's lives cannot be brought to a standstill by causing public suffering or traffic jams in the name of protests. A "zero tolerance" policy will be followed against extortionists, and nobody will be spared even if they use a political identity to extort.

Mobile courts will jail or fine those who charge excessive fares on vehicles around Eid, and employers were asked to pay workers' wages and bonuses before Eid.

Also present were Nurul Amin, Humam Quader Chowdhury, Ershad Ullah, Mohammad Enamul Haque, Shahjahan Chowdhury and Mohammad Zahirul Islam, along with representatives of the district police, CMP, navy, NSI and other intelligence agencies, Upazila Nirbahi Officers and leaders of political parties.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.