Temporary cattle markets have begun taking shape across Dhaka as preparations for Eid-ul-Azha gather pace, with traders from across the country arriving in the capital and designated haats gradually filling up with sacrificial animals.
The annual Qurbani markets emerge ahead of Eid-ul-Azha to meet the seasonal demand for sacrificial cattle, goats and sheep.
This year, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) have accelerated preparations involving infrastructure, sanitation and security management.
The two city corporations have approved a total of 27 temporary cattle markets across the capital. Of these, leases for 19 markets have already been finalised, while the remaining sites are undergoing re-tender procedures after authorities failed to receive expected bids in the first phase.
Among the DNCC markets, the highest bid was recorded for the Boubazar cattle market adjacent to Sectors 16 and 18 in Uttara Diabari. The market was leased for Tk 141.5 million to Sheikh Farid Hossain, proprietor of SF Corporation.
Several other major DNCC markets also secured sizeable lease values. The vacant land adjacent to Eastern Housing in Mirpur Section-6 was leased for Tk 17.9 million to Md Sirajul Islam, proprietor of Messrs Islam Enterprise, while the cattle market beside Dhaka Polytechnic Institute fetched Tk 38.7 million and was awarded to Aminul Islam of Shikdar Enterprise.
The Banrupa Residential Project market was leased for more than Tk 18 million to Arifin and Ara Enterprise. Meanwhile, the market on Bashundhara Group's vacant land in Boro Beraid secured Tk 57 million, with the lease awarded to AM Enterprise proprietor Md Ataur Rahman.
However, several prominent DNCC sites failed to attract expected bids during the first tender process. These include markets near the Khilkhet Elevated Expressway, the Merul Badda kitchen market area, Mohakhali T&T ground, Mohammadpur Beribadh and the Sutibhola canal area. Authorities have since invited fresh tenders for those locations.
DNCC Public Relations Officer Zobayer Hossain said the corporation had already handed over spaces where leasing procedures were completed.
"We have received new bidders in the re-tender process for the remaining markets. We hope the leasing procedures for all markets will be completed soon," he said.
Under DSCC, the highest bid came for the market stretching from Kajla Bridge to the Matuail Mridha Bari water pump area. The market was leased for Tk 43.5 million to KB Trade proprietor Md Shamim Khan.
