Dhaka's Qurbani cattle markets are buzzing ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. The number of cattle and goats is rising at every market as traders arrive from across the country, and sales are gradually picking up. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has launched drives at the markets to check whether any sacrificial animals have been given fattening drugs. RAB magistrates are joined by veterinarians, and the force says action will be taken under the law against any trader found using such unfair means.

RAB says it has completed all preparations for overall security around Eid. All units of the elite force are fully prepared to deal with any situation, to keep Eid journeys smooth, stop extortion on the roads and ensure public safety in an emptied Dhaka.

Commander Khandaker Al Moin, director of RAB's Legal and Media Wing, gave the information to journalists on the afternoon of Thursday, 7 July, after observing security arrangements at the Gabtoli cattle market.

He said RAB began its Eid-ul-Azha security operations a few days ago, and the necessary measures have been taken around the cattle markets and to keep people's journeys home safe.

A mobile court has been operating at the Gabtoli market since the morning, he said. "We are asking everyone to follow health rules, and we are distributing masks to prevent the rising Covid infection."

"A section of dishonest traders apply various fattening drugs to cattle brought to market. Our magistrate is running drives with veterinarians, checking whether anyone has given animals fattening drugs. If an animal has been brought to market after being given drugs, the vets will be able to tell. If anyone is found doing this, action will be taken under the existing law," he said.

The officer added that counterfeit note transactions could rise around the markets. "We have fake note detection machines. If in doubt, anyone can come to us and check their money on the machine."

"We have spoken to cattle traders who brought animals from various places. They said there was no robbery or extortion anywhere on the way. Even so, we are not complacent. If there is any such possibility anywhere, the necessary action will be taken," he said.

Saying no extortion around cattle trading will be tolerated, Commander Khandaker Al Moin said many animals are being bought and sold online, so online trade is also being monitored so that customers are not cheated in any way. "We are ready to give any assistance."

On Eid travel, he said RAB teams are at bus terminals, railway stations and launch terminals. Train ticket black-marketing is much lower this time, but RAB has still arrested 10 people at Kamalapur for selling tickets on the black market, and it is working to prevent mugging and extortion on the roads.

Urging people to inform RAB of any emerging situation, he said: "Our intelligence staff are in the field. The capital will empty out at Eid. We have spoken to local representatives in each area so that CCTV cameras in homes stay active. Anyone who feels the need can seek RAB's support. Checkposts have been set up in various areas for searches, and RAB patrol teams are at work."

All units of the force are fully prepared to deal with any situation around Eid, Commander Khandaker Al Moin said.

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