No cattle market on roads and highways: Quader

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today issued a directive, saying that no cattle market will be allowed on roads and highways ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha.

"Cattle markets of sacrificial animals on roads and highways and transportation of the animals by unfit vehicles will not be allowed in any way," he said.

The minister issued the directive while virtually addressing a preparatory meeting at the conference room of Road Transport and Highways Division in the Secretariat here this afternoon, marking the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha to be celebrated in the country on July 10.

Quader instructed the concerned people to take necessary steps so that no one can transport the sacrificial animals in unfit vehicles and said it should be strictly monitored at the boarding points and every district administration and highway police should remain alert in this regard.

The minister said toll booths at the Toll Plazas of expressway, Padma Bridge, Bangabandhu Bridge, Meghna Bridge and Gomti Bridge should be increased, considering the extra pressure on the roads and bridges as many vehicles will carry sacrificial animals through the roads and the bridges.
 
Noting that rains would be a challenge for this Eid, he said all stakeholders should work in coordination to overcome the challenges like slow-speed vehicles, transporting animals in unfit vehicles, roadside cattle markets and corona infections.

Since, corona infection may increase during the Eid period, Quader said concerned authorities should remain alert so that homebound people must wear masks mandatorily during traveling.

Mentioning that a vested quarter is out to create chaos in the country, he urged all to beware of them.
 
"If everyone remains united, we will be able to deal with all conspiracies under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina," Quader said.

He asked the concerned people of transport services to be careful in running the vehicles so that those could not get stuck on roads due to mechanical problems.

The minister said immediate actions will be taken if any allegation of realizing extra fare is found.

He requested the concerned ministry to take necessary measures for keeping the CNG stations open round the clock during the Eid.

Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary A B M Amin Ullah Nuri and other officials concerned joined the meeting.