Cattle market on rail track!

A cattle market sitting on the railway line near Bhanugach outer and home signals of Shamshernagar Railway Station area in Kamalganj upazila under the district poses high risk for buyers and sellers.

Visiting the spot on Tuesday, this correspondent found cattle tied to signal posts and rail slippers with ropes while many people were sitting or standing on the railway tracks.

Azid Miah, a cattle farmer coming to sell his cows from Paboi village in Kulaura upazila, tied the animals to the rail line.

“I know accidents can happen any time but there is no empty space anywhere in the market,” he said.

Cherag Mia, another cattle trader who did the same, said, “I did this as I failed to get the space. I move away when I hear the sound of a train.”

Sueb Ahmed Mithu, a customer, said he came to buy cattle after hearing that good cows are available there.

Jewel Ahmad, chairman of Shamshernagar Union Parishad, said he told the leaseholder not to arrange the market on the rail track but to no effect.

Kabir Ahmad, stationmaster of Shamshernagar, said he has not given any permission for the cattle market.

Md Mashhid Mia, leaseholder of Shamshernagar Bazar, said the cattle market was arranged there due to lack of space.

“But there will be no problem. My people are there,” he said.

Abu Bakar Siddique, officer-in-charge of Srimangal Railway Police Station, said, “I did not know about the matter. We will take legal action after investigation.”