They made the demand at an inter-ministerial meeting at the home ministry yesterday with Home Minister Altaf Hossain Choudhury in the chair.

The lawmakers told the meeting that in the past cattle traders had to pay toll and bribe at more than eight spots on their way to the capital. As a result, the cattle prices went up and traders felt insecure on their way back home with money.

The meeting also discussed harassment of hides and skin traders during the Eid and decided to ensure that hides and skin are not smuggled out. It also decided that genuine traders will be given bank loans.

Participants in the meeting suggested revival of the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) to import onion to avoid its crisis. They feared that shortage of onion would take a turn for the worse before and during the Eid.

The meeting was told that the government would allow more import of cattle but measures will be taken to stop their smuggling. The lawmakers suggested opening of more entry points on the borders to help increase cattle import.

The home ministry already asked the district and upzila authorities to ensure security of cattle importers and traders and warned of stern action against the officials concerned in case of failure to do so.

The meeting suggested setting up of mobile courts for Eid cattle markets for their smooth operation.

Plain-clothesmen and other law enforcers will be deployed in the cattle markets in the capital.

Dhaka City Corporation will set up 12 cattle markets for the Eid but not on the streets, meeting sources said.

The meeting was attended by MPs from Meherpur, Jessore, Satkhira, Naogaon, Joypurhat, Kushtia, Home Secretary Omar Farooq, the inspector general of police, a joint secretary of the commerce ministry, directors general of Bangladesh Rifles, Ansar and Coast Guard and DCC representatives.