Warnings fall on deaf ears

National Technical Advisory Committee (NTAC) on Covid-19 on Friday suggested not to set up cattle markets in Dhaka, Narayanganj, Gazipur and Chattogram cities as a preventive measure against the pandemic.

Ignoring that, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has given approval to set up five such markets in the capital. 

According to DSCC officials, they did not receive any official order to not set up makeshift markets, and therefore, did not refrain from doing so, disregarding the suggestion.

"If the government gives orders to not set up markets, we will follow instructions," said DSCC Chief Executive Officer Shah Md Emdadul Haque.

He said they had decided to set up 14 markets but have approved five so far. They are yet to decide on the nine other proposed markets, and will do so after issuing re-tender.

Emdadul said DSCC has 75 wards, and if they consider one market for 10 wards, they need at least seven such markets. He also pointed out that there is a lack of open spaces in DSCC areas.

"Where will people buy cattle if there is no market?" he said. "We will take necessary measures so that traders and customers follow health guidelines properly."

DSCC markets will be at Leather Technology College in Hazaribagh; Postogola cremation ground; Little Friends Club in Gopibagh; Mirpur Section-1 and 2; and near Moitri Sangha in North Shahjahanpur.

Meanwhile, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has also given work order to set up three makeshift markets, while three are already being set up. It, however, decided to arrange them in areas surrounding the city and cancelled some markets, considering the pandemic.

Contacted, DNCC Mayor Atiqul Islam said they have already cancelled some markets supposed to be at Bhashantek, Tejgaon and Uttara Sector-10, 11 and 12.

He said there was huge pressure to set up markets, but even then, he did not allow markets within the city.

DNCC also introduced an online system to purchase cattle, which was inaugurated on Saturday. Using the facility, people will be able to buy cattle online and even get the meat processed, the mayor said.

The mayor said Department of Livestock will ensure health of online cattle by providing health certificates after inspection.

Three more makeshift markets, which are awaiting DNCC's approval, will be at Bosila, Sayeed Nagar in Bhatara and Moinertek.

Gabtoli cattle market will also remain open.

Markets which were approved by DNCC last week will be at Uttara Sector-17 (from Brindaban to BGMEA); near Kawla Shialdanga; and near Dumni Bazar (adjacent to Purbachal Bridge).

Dr Md Shahidullah, president of the national committee on Covid-19, told The Daily Star that if the city corporations arrange cattle markets inside the four cities, rate of infection, which is now stable, will increase after Eid.

The committee suggested not to set up markets in the four cities because 76 percent of Covid-19 cases are from there.

Dr Shahidullah said the graph of infections has been flat for the last month. Infections will start going down in time, assuming the authorities concerned do not set up markets in the areas.

He suggested running online markets and strictly maintaining health guidelines.

As Covid-19 is not yet under control, the national committee, in its 14th meeting, suggested implementing strict control activities in Dhaka and nearby areas.

NTAC's seven-point suggestion regarding cattle markets include not setting up markets inside towns; setting up in open spaces; not allowing entry to the elderly or sick; having separate entry and exit paths; and sacrificing cattle at fixed location instead of at home, said a release.