Although the festivities of Eid-ul-Azha have ended, the smell of sacrificial animal waste and raw hides continues to linger in many parts of the capital, causing discomfort for residents and commuters alike. Several days after the festival, complaints persist about foul odours emanating from roadsides, alleys, drains, and temporary hide collection points across Dhaka.
Residents say that while some upscale residential areas were cleaned relatively quickly, many neighbourhoods in Old Dhaka, Kamalapur, Mohammadpur, Bangshal, Lalbagh, Dholaikhal, Shahjahanpur, Malibagh, Mouchak, Shahjadpur, Basila and surrounding localities are still experiencing the after-effects of Eid waste. Blood stains, animal remains and the smell of preserved raw hides remain visible in certain areas, creating an unpleasant environment for local communities.
Many citizens believe that the lack of significant rainfall since Eid has worsened the situation. Traditionally, seasonal rains help wash away residual blood and waste left behind after sacrificial activities. This year, however, prolonged dry weather and high temperatures have allowed odours to persist for longer periods.
Local residents acknowledge that both Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) launched extensive cleaning operations during and immediately after Eid. However, they argue that the benefits of those efforts were not evenly distributed across the city. In several areas, waste trapped near drainage systems, leftover animal remains and temporary hide storage facilities continue to produce unpleasant smells.
A visit to several neighbourhoods on Tuesday revealed visible signs of Eid-related waste in parts of Koltabazar, Goalghat Lane, Dholaikhal, South Kamalapur, Azimpur, Lalbagh, Bangshal, TT Para, Mohammadpur, Basila, Green Road, Kathalbagan, Shahjadpur, Shahjahanpur, Mouchak and Malibagh. Although cleaning crews were seen working in some locations, the absence of heavy rainfall has made it difficult to completely remove stains and odours.
Environmental experts note that warm and humid weather accelerates the decomposition of organic waste, intensifying unpleasant smells. According to them, the challenge becomes even greater when large quantities of sacrificial waste are generated within a short period of time.
Several officials from the two city corporations, speaking on condition of anonymity, described post-Eid waste management as one of the biggest annual challenges facing municipal authorities. They said that despite the dedication of sanitation workers, manpower shortages remain a longstanding issue. During Eid, sanitation personnel are required to work around the clock to manage the enormous volume of waste generated across the city.
Meanwhile, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Bir Muktijoddha Abdus Salam recently stated at a press briefing that DSCC had exceeded its waste removal target during the Eid period. According to official figures, a total of 36,086 tonnes of waste were transported to the Matuail landfill between Eid day and May 30, surpassing the initial target set by the corporation.
Residents, however, say that statistics alone do not fully reflect the conditions on the ground.
Asaduzzaman, a resident of Syedabad, said, "The cleaning workers are doing their job, and that is visible. But waste accumulated near drains and temporary hide storage areas is still causing foul smells. It has become uncomfortable to move around normally."
Md. Rafiqul Islam, a resident of Mirpur, echoed similar concerns. Most of the waste was removed quickly on Eid day. However, raw hides stored in an open space near our neighbourhood have been producing a strong smell for several days, especially during the afternoon heat, he said.
Sharmeen Akter from Mohammadpur said that while the immediate surroundings of her residence had been cleaned, nearby waste collection points still emitted unpleasant odours. It is particularly difficult for children and elderly people, she added.
Abdul Karim, a resident of South Kamalapur, believes rainfall could significantly improve the situation. A good downpour would wash away much of the remaining dirt and smell. Because rainfall has been limited this year, the odour is lasting much longer than usual, he said.
