Early Possessing of Cattle Markets Begin

Stepping off at the Uttara Center Metro Station and heading slightly left past the police box, one is greeted by rows upon rows of bamboo poles. This scene stretches across nearly a square kilometer.

In several spots, workers are busy lashing the bamboo together. Since the work is ongoing, it is safe to assume the lines of bamboo will extend even further. With Eid-ul-Adha not far off, this construction in Diabari is part of the advance preparation for the cattle market. However, the official leasing process for these markets has not yet concluded, nor has the designated time to set up the markets arrived. Despite this, lessees are moving ahead with construction to occupy the land, essentially by force.

Both City Corporations of Dhaka have indicated that the final list of lessees is almost complete, but it will take at least another week to finalize all formalities. Although the scheduled time for setting up markets has not yet begun, lessees are already finishing the installation of bamboo pillars. This is not unique to the temporary market in Diabari; the scene at the temporary cattle market at the Dhaka Polytechnic Institute is much the same.

The two City Corporations maintain that this is merely market preparation. However, no one has the authority to occupy public spaces for preparation two weeks before the Eid festivities. By seizing fields and public areas for these markets, the normal life of the surrounding neighborhoods is being disrupted. Children can no longer go out to play, and walking paths have been blocked.
Public spaces are government-owned open areas intended for people of all ages, races, and economic backgrounds to access and enjoy without hindrance—not for financial or commercial purposes. According to regulations, there should be 9 square meters of public space per person. Yet, compared to the population of Dhaka, only 1% of the required 90% of public space actually exists. Even that limited space is frequently repurposed by the City Corporation for various tasks, disrupting the movement of ordinary citizens and robbing children of their freedom to play.

So far this year, the lease for seven temporary cattle markets has been finalized in Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), with the process for eight more ongoing. Additionally, the DNCC manages a permanent cattle market in Gabtoli. On the other hand, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has leased out eight markets, with one process ongoing and two more awaiting lease. Outside of these, the DSCC has a permanent cattle market in Sarulia.

The terms of the lease state that these temporary markets can operate for a total of five days—the day of Eid-ul-Adha and the four days preceding it. Lessees may be granted an additional two days for preparatory work, such as erecting pillars. By that count, preparations should have started from the 22nd. Instead, lessees began occupying public spaces at least a week ahead of schedule.

When questioned about lessees occupying fields so far in advance, DNCC's Chief Estate Officer, Mohammad Shawkat Osman, provided a written response. He stated that according to the lease terms, there is no scope to set up markets outside of the designated dates and areas.

However, he also noted that lessees do have preparation requirements. He assured that if anyone violates the terms of the lease, legal action would be taken.

The Chief Executive Officer of DSCC, Md. Zahirul Islam, told Agamir Shomoy, "We have received some complaints about the early occupation of fields. They have been warned. However, we have given some concessions for the sake of preparation."
The temporary markets in the North City Corporation are located in—the Eastern Housing area of Mirpur-6, Mirpur Kalshi Balur Math, Dhaka Polytechnic Institute, the Iqra Madrasa area in East Hazipara, Uttara Diabari, the Rahman Nagar residential area adjacent to Keachkura Bazar, and the area near the Khalpara Checkpost under Khilkhet Police Station.

The temporary markets in the South City Corporation include—Postogola, North Shahjahanpur, Amulia, Sikder Medical, Kajla Bridge, Banasree, Brothers Union, and Golapbagh.