Focus on online cattle markets

The home ministry yesterday suggested for giving an extra focus on online cattle markets ahead of Eid-ul-Azha to contain the coronavirus outbreak.

No cattle market will be allowed on the road and cattle-laden trucks must have banners mentioning the destination marketplace. Besides, such trucks will not be allowed to make a stoppage on the road.

The decisions came from a meeting at the home ministry, to review law and order situation ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul Azha.

The meeting was chaired by Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan.

Senior Secretary of the Public Security Department Mostafa Kamal Uddin, Secretary of the Security Services division Md Shahiduzzaman, Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed and senior official of the ministry attended the meeting, among others.

According to a statement signed by home ministry's public relations officer Sharif Mahmudh Opu, law enforcing agencies were directed to take necessary steps to ensure health and hygiene issues at cattle markets, following the health minister's guidelines.

The health ministry has decided that cattle markets will be set up only outside Dhaka city this year, and the local government ministry and the city corporations will take steps in this regard, read the statement.

People planning to visit cattle markets must wear masks and if anyone is found without a mask, then he will have to purchase a mask from the leaseholder of the market. The leaseholders were also asked to set up hand-washing stations and sanitisers at the cattle market.

During the meeting, the minister and officials suggested to emphasise focus on online shopping to avoid the risk of widespread coronavirus transmission.

Besides, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and factory owners were asked to take necessary steps to pay workers' salaries and bonus on time.

The Coast Guard and river police were asked to take steps to check carrying of excess passengers on ferries and launches ahead of Eid. They were also asked to increase vigilance to prevent overloading of cattle on vessels.

Beside this, law enforcing agencies will take steps to stop circulation of fake notes, extortion, and drug traders like previous years, reads the statement.

The Industries and Commerce Ministry will set the prices of rawhide and its proper marketing. The Religious Affairs Ministry has taken decisions to hold Eid-ul-Azha Jamaat in mosques, the home ministry statement added.