Govt to ensure fair hide prices, tighter traffic, waste control ahead of Eid: home adviser

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury today said the government has taken comprehensive measures to ensure fair pricing for sacrificial animal hides, improved traffic control, and prompt waste disposal ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

Briefing journalists at the Secretariat, he said, "A key issue every year is that sacrificial animal hides often go to waste, and many people, especially madrasas and orphanages who traditionally receive them, don't get the fair market value."

To address this, the administration will provide free salt at police stations to prevent spoilage.

"We've also decided to regulate the supply of hides into Dhaka to prevent a market glut, allowing for better pricing," he added.

The government aims to ensure that cattle owners receive at least Tk 1,200 per cowhide this year.

"If the sacrificial animal owner receives a just price for the hide, it serves the true intent of this religious offering," Jahangir said.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Mohammad Azaz, also present at the briefing, said 20 designated cattle markets will be set up across Dhaka, all located away from major highways to avoid congestion.

"Unauthorised markets will not be allowed, and strict surveillance will be maintained by the city corporations and law enforcement agencies," he said.

Each market will have adequate law enforcers, veterinary doctors to check animal health, and general physicians to treat any injuries. Mobile banking booths, fake currency detectors, and waste management teams will also be deployed, he added.

To ease the financial burden on sellers, market lease fees (hasil) will be capped at 3 percent from next year, down from the current 5 percent.

Azaz added that special sanitation teams will work in and around the markets.

"We are aiming to clear 90–95 percent of sacrificial waste within 12 hours of slaughter. Dedicated landfill sites are already prepared," the home adviser said.

On the traffic management issue, Jahangir said congestion may ease within the city but increase on outbound routes.

"Instructions have been issued to traffic police to ensure smooth vehicular movement during this period."

He urged citizens leaving Dhaka to switch off electrical connections and properly secure their homes.

Regarding recent protests by government employees over a draft civil service law passed on Thursday, the home adviser said, "The new law is not draconian as some claim. It simply reverts to the earlier version before the 2018 amendment. If there are concerns, they can be resolved through discussions with the Cabinet Division or Ministry of Public Administration."

When asked why the ordinance was introduced now, he said, "Laws are passed when necessary. That is a matter for the government to decide based on current needs."