No roadside cattle market during Eid-ul-Azha: Quader

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DHAKA, July 1, 2020 (BSS) – Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today said the government will not allow setting up roadside cattle markets ahead of Eid-ul-Azha as it may increase the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission.

“The authorities will not allow setting up cattle markets haphazardly. If necessary, the number of cattle markets will be reduced. In addition to this, cattle markets will not be allowed on or besides the highways,” he said.

Quader, also Awami League general secretary, was addressing a virtual press briefing on contemporary affairs from his official residence here.

He said the authorities of the cattle markets must fix a course of action so that health guidelines could be ensured.

If the health guidelines are not followed properly in the cattle markets amid the coronavirus pandemic, the AL general secretary said, it can pose serious threat to public health.

About fixing fees for COVID-19 test, he said, the poor, destitute and working people have no ability to pay fees for their COVID-19 tests and that is why they will remain out of test, which will contribute to the rapid spread of coronavirus.

Quader urged the authorities concerned to take a decision to this end considering the affordability of the poor, destitute and working people.

Noting that a positive result was found in the areas where lockdown was enforced in containing the coronavirus transmission, he said the government is going to take a decision to enforce lockdowns in some other areas highly vulnerable to coronavirus infection.

This temporary separation is for the welfare of all, he added.

Referring to the ongoing flood emerging in different districts, the road transport minister said relief materials have been sent to the flood-affected people in some districts of the country’s northern region.

“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is consistently monitoring the flood situation,” he said, calling upon the AL leaders and workers to stand by the flood victims.

He said relief materials are being sent to all flood-hit districts.

Quader said Bangladesh has already shown resilience in tackling natural disasters under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

“Following this trend, we will be able to address this disaster too by staying beside the helpless people, InshaAllah,” he added.