With Eid-ul-Azha approaching, cattle smuggling syndicates have intensified their operations along the Dowarabazar border, allegedly using registered and unregistered dairy farms as temporary transit camps for smuggled Indian cattle.
Locals said smuggling syndicates have become increasingly active around the border-adjacent Bogla Bazar, Narsingpur and Banglabazar cattle markets, where large consignments of Indian cattle are allegedly being moved under the cover of darkness.
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According to allegations, several establishments in the Boglabazar area have been registered as cattle farms, but are being used as temporary holding centres for incoming cattle at night in exchange for fees ranging between Tk 200 and Tk 500 per animal.
A field visit reportedly found little evidence of regular livestock rearing activities during the day, with locals claiming that while fodder is kept for appearance, the facilities remain largely inactive until nightfall when cattle are brought in and later moved out before dawn.
Several residents, requesting anonymity, said there are eight farms in the area, of which four are registered and four are unregistered, and that a portion of these are being used as safe shelters for smuggled cattle entering through the border.
A local trader said cattle are brought into the farms at night and removed early in the morning, creating instability in local cattle markets.
Locals further alleged that the misuse of farm licences for such activities poses a threat not only to illegal trade control but also to law and order in the border region, calling for stricter monitoring by the administration.
They also claimed that despite repeated reports and discussions in district law and order meetings, including one held on May 9, no visible progress has been made in curbing cattle smuggling or monitoring farm activities effectively.
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Earlier, on April 30, 2025, a 28 BGB task force seized a steel-bodied boat carrying 90 cattle worth around Tk 10 million from the Surma River in Sunamganj town following a tip-off, and filed a case in connection with the incident.
Farm owners, however, denied involvement in illegal activities, saying cattle brought in are owned by traders who temporarily keep them at the farms before distribution.
Dowarabazar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Arup Ratan Singha said farm permissions were granted under regulations and directed the livestock department to investigate the matter, adding that legal action will be taken if any irregularities are found.
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Doarabazar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Tariqul Islam said the matter is under observation and legal action will be taken if credible information is received.
Local residents and civil society members have demanded permanent closure of such alleged “night stay centres,” strict monitoring of registered and unregistered farms, enhanced border surveillance, and strong action against those involved.