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Dhaka, 31 May, 2025 : With only three days left before the cattle markets for Eid-ul-Adha are set to begin, the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has finalized arrangements for only two markets, raising concerns among stakeholders. The National Moon Sighting Committee has announced that Eid-ul-Adha will be celebrated on June 7, 2025.
Accordingly, cattle markets in the capital are scheduled to start on June 3, four days before the festival, and continue until the day of Eid. However, DNCC authorities have yet to finalize the leasing process for most of the markets.
According to DNCC’s Property Department, one permanent market at Gabtoli and 10 temporary markets were planned for this year. As of last Thursday, only two temporary markets—Mustul Checkpoint-adjacent open space in Ward 43 and the open field near Dhaka Polytechnic Institute in Tejgaon (Polytechnic Field)—have been finalized.
The delay in appointing leaseholders has caused anxiety among bidders, who say at least two weeks are needed to prepare the markets, including publicity and informing cattle traders and wholesalers across the country.
As of Thursday, no decision was made regarding the permanent Gabtoli market or the major temporary market in Uttara Diabari. Despite two rounds of tenders, the DNCC failed to receive bids meeting the government’s reserve price for the Kalshi Balur Math market in Mirpur.
In a meeting of the tender evaluation committee on Thursday, decisions were made regarding six temporary markets, and recommendations have been sent to the administrator’s office for final approval. DNCC officials stated that the leasing process is expected to be completed by Sunday.
On April 29, DNCC initially called for tenders for 10 temporary markets. However, the leases for three markets—Badda Eastern Housing, Aftabnagar, and Khilkhet Bonrupa—were canceled due to a High Court order. Except for two markets, none received bids higher than the government’s reserve price. For the Mirpur-6 Eastern Housing market, although the highest bid exceeded the reserve price, two bidders offered the same amount, prompting a second round of tenders on May 24 for six markets. Additionally, tenders were invited for two new markets at Kanchkura and under the Khilkhet Elevated Expressway.
The delay in finalizing the markets has sparked concerns about the timely preparation and operation of these vital Eid-ul-Adha cattle markets in Dhaka North.
AI/MR
