Cattle are being imported through illegal 'beats' or holding pens (khatal) set up using fake letters issued with the forged signature of a Public Security Division official. A case has been filed so that strict action can be taken against those involved.

The information came in a Home Ministry press release on Thursday (15 June).

Under legal import, Indian and Myanmar herders hand consignments of cattle to Bangladeshi herders at the zero point of the border. The cattle are then kept at a beat or khatal, a temporary holding place, and after paying government duty traders take them to different parts of the country.

The release said domestic farmers are now producing beef and milk in line with the country's growing demand for protein, and are profiting financially. Private entrepreneurs are being further encouraged to ensure this continues.

The entry of livestock through smuggling routes has been strictly stopped, and the setting up of cattle beats or khatals in border areas has been completely halted for the past several years, in line with a directive from the Cabinet Division, the release said.

"Despite the closure of beats and khatals, some dishonest individuals and organisations are trying to serve their own interests by forging the signature of the relevant Public Security Division official, issuing fake letters and setting up illegal beats and khatals. Very recently some such forged letters came to the notice of the Public Security Division. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) is also fully aware of the matter. The BGB director general has said the force has not issued any slip relating to beats or khatals."

The release added that a case has been filed to take strict legal action and ensure exemplary punishment for those in the fraudulent ring who issued the fake letters. All concerned and the public have been asked not to be misled on any matter relating to beats or khatals.

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