Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali on Sunday warned the leaseholders of the capital’s makeshift cattle markets (haats) not to collect any fees other than the government-fixed charges during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha.

Besides,  he also said that no vehicle carrying sacrificial animals from different regions of the country can be forcibly diverted into specific markets and cattle markets must remain within the designated boundaries set by the city corporations.

The DMP Commissioner made the remarks while presiding over a special coordination meeting on overall security, traffic management, rawhide collection and transport, and the operation of cattle markets in the capital at the DMP Headquarters on Sunday.

He further stated that loading and unloading of sacrificial animals on roads will not be tolerated as it causes traffic disruption. Any attempt to force traders into selling animals or hindering vehicular movement will be brought under strict legal action.

The commissioner also directed authorities to ensure that no one charges extra for transporting animals bought from the markets.

In his speech, Additional Commissioner (Traffic) Md. Sarwar urged the public to call the national emergency helpline 999 in case of any problem, and to record video evidence if possible.

He warned against any misconduct with on-duty traffic police saying that stern action will be taken against those who would block roads or set up unauthorized cattle markets.

Representatives from intelligence agencies, various specialized police units, Bangladesh Bank, Institute of Leather Engineering and Technology of Dhaka University, Department of Livestock Services, Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, Dhaka South and North City Corporations, Fire Service and Civil Defence, DPDC, DESCO, Dhaka District Administration, service providers, salt traders’ association, Bangladesh Tanners Association, and leaseholders of different cattle markets in the capital attended the meeting.

Among others, Additional Commissioners (Traffic) Md. Sarwar Additional Commissioner (Crime and ops) SN Md. Nazrul Islam, Hasan Md. Shawkat Ali (Logistics, Finance and Procurement), Additional Commissioner Md. Masud Karim (CTTC), as well as joint and deputy police commissioners and other officials were present.