An illegal cattle market that sprang up beside Uttara North metro station for Eid-ul-Adha has been removed, but the area has still not been fully cleaned. A day after the market was cleared, heaps of animal waste, dung and mud could still be seen there.

Those responsible had said the area would be cleaned as soon as the market was removed. But on the spot, cleaners were seen starting work late: some were spraying water, while piles of waste lay beside footpaths elsewhere.

Pedestrians and passengers suffered badly, and many voiced their irritation at having to make their way through the stench and mud. By Friday, the day after Eid, many trees at the site had also been destroyed.

Locals called it anarchy and voiced anger over the illegal cattle market and the damage to the environment. They complained that the site was never a designated place for a cattle market and that some greedy people, linked to politically influential figures, had set it up for financial gain.

Pedestrian Ruhul Amin said: "You have to hold your nose just to walk down the road. There is a terrible stench all around, and the mud makes it hard to get through."

Another pedestrian, Halimul, said: "This is complete anarchy. There was no permission to hold a cattle market here. Some greedy people linked to a political party did this to make money. It should be investigated and those responsible punished." He added that trees should be planted immediately to restore the greenery destroyed by the market.

Residents also questioned the role of law enforcers, alleging that such illegal activity would not be possible without the help of local influential groups and part of the administration. Resident Chowdhury Almas said: "This could not have happened without the cooperation of the police and local influential people. They were involved, so they too should be punished for this."

Local residents and passengers demanded prompt removal of the waste and cleaning of the whole area to ensure a healthy environment. They also called for a swift investigation, identification and punishment of those responsible, and restoration of the damaged environment.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) carried out a cleaning drive beside Uttara North metro station on Friday.

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