Covid-19 Affected Areas: HC refuses to pass order on cattle markets

The High Court yesterday refused to pass any order asking the government to stop setting up cattle markets in coronavirus-affected areas -- including Dhaka, Chattogram, Narayanganj and Gazipur cities. The bench of Justice M Enayetur Rahim dropped a writ petition filed, seeking its directive on the government to stop setting up such markets in the virus-affected areas from its hearing list.

The bench came up with the order after holding a virtual hearing on the petition. Petitioner's Advocate Md Eunus Ali Akond told The Daily Star that the HC refused to interfere in the government's decision to set up cattle markets as the issue involves religious sentiments.

So, cattle markets can be set up even in Covid-19 affected areas following the health guidelines, he added. Eunus submitted the writ petition as a public interest litigation on July 16 via email, praying to the court to stop setting up such markets to protect people from the pandemic.

He said the National Technical Advisory Committee on Covid-19 recommend not to set up cattle markets in areas heavily affected by coronavirus. However, authorities have allowed markets in those areas, ignoring its recommendation, in violation of law, the lawyer stated.