Dhaka City Corporations deploy 29,500 people for waste removal

Dhaka North and South City Corporations have undertaken extensive preparations to ensure swift removal of sacrificial animal waste during Eid-ul-Azha, with around 29,500 personnel across the two city corporations. Eid holidays for sanitation officials and employees have been cancelled to ensure uninterrupted operations. 1.77 million plastic, poly, and biodegradable bags are being distributed to facilitate waste collection.

Officials said waste removal will formally begin from the afternoon of Eid day. Around 700,000 sacrificial animals are expected to be slaughtered in Dhaka this year, generating nearly 55,000 tonnes of waste. DSCC Administrator Md Abdus Salam said a special monitoring council has been formed to supervise cattle markets and waste management. The main removal operation will begin at 12:00pm on Eid day, with a target to clear the first day’s waste within eight hours.

He urged residents not to dump waste into drains or sewers, warning of disease risks and waterlogging. DSCC plans to remove 33,942 tonnes of waste over May 28–30, using 2,117 vehicles and equipment including compactors, dump trucks, bulldozers and water tankers. Preparations include 46 tonnes of bleaching powder, 210 gallons of Savlon and 140,000 biodegradable bags. Operations will be monitored round-the-clock from Nagar Bhaban, with separate control rooms at cattle markets.

Executive magistrates and medical teams will also be deployed. Two hotline numbers -- 01709900888 and 02223386014 -- have been opened to receive and quickly resolve citizen complaints. DNCC Administrator Md Shafiqul Islam Khan said awareness campaigns are being conducted through loudspeakers in every ward, with imams encouraging worshippers to maintain cleanliness. DNCC Deputy Chief Waste Management Officer Md Mofizur Rahman Bhuiyan said nearly 16,000 personnel will be deployed, including 6,500 sanitation workers, 4,500 waste collectors, and 5,500 volunteers.

DNCC has distributed 1.63 million poly bags and 3,600 sacks of bleaching powder. A total of 752 vehicles and equipment are ready, including compactor trucks, dumpers, water tankers and road sweepers. DNCC Public Relations Officer Md Jobayer Hossain added that 1,000 meat processors across 54 wards are being trained for proper slaughtering and waste management. Monitoring teams in 10 zones began operations three days before Eid.