State minister assures action as Gabtoli cattle market hit by waterlogging

Persistent rainfall has left parts of the Gabtoli cattle market muddy and waterlogged, causing inconvenience to traders and buyers ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. Authorities, however, said measures are being taken to keep the situation under control. During a visit to the market this morning, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives (LGRD), Mir Shahe Alam, said the government and city authorities were working to ensure a comfortable environment for both buyers and sellers. The state minister inspected the market with Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Mohammad Shafiqul Islam Khan.

Following morning showers, several sections of the market were covered in mud and stagnant water, making movement difficult for cattle traders, transport workers and customers. Low-lying areas of the market were particularly affected, while city corporation workers were seen spreading sand, brick chips, and crushed materials to ease movement. The state minister acknowledged that the recent rainfall had caused temporary difficulties but said drainage arrangements were in place. “Wherever mud accumulates, immediate steps are being taken using sand, brick chips, or crushed materials to restore normal conditions,” he said. He also said the overall environment of the market remained satisfactory and noted that the officially fixed five percent market toll on cattle sales was being implemented properly through receipt-based collection.

On law and order, the minister said surveillance had been strengthened to prevent fraud and the circulation of counterfeit currency at the market. Members of the police, Rapid Action Battalion, control room teams, and watchtowers have been deployed for round-the-clock monitoring, he added. He urged traders, leaseholders, and all stakeholders to co-operate with the city corporation and law enforcement agencies in maintaining discipline at the cattle market during the Eid season.