DHAKA, May 16, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh Railway (BR) today urged all not to set up makeshift cattle markets adjacent to railway track or on its ground without prior permission.

In a press release issued today, the BR said no illegal cattle markets will be allowed on railway land or adjacent to railway track on the occasion of the Eid-ul-Azha.

The BR authority has sent a demi-official-letter to deputy commissioners (DCs) for taking necessary measures in this regard, it said.

Railways Secretary Md Fahimul Islam signed the letter and said sometimes makeshift cattle markets are set up on land owned by the BR and adjacent to railway track without following proper security guidelines, which forces the common people to fall into insecurity and also hampers movement of trains.

Due to setting up illegal cattle markets on BR land or adjacent to railway track, untoward incident could happen and train schedule for Eid journey could be disrupted, which is not expected, the letter said.

Mentioning that the present government is very sincere to save public properties and ensure public security, the letter said BR stood against setting up illegal cattle markets on railway land and adjacent to railway track.

It, however, said considering local people's demand, cattle market can be set up on permission, lease receiver will must build fence nearby the railway track so that train movement could not be hampered and it is a must to ensure public security and smooth train movement with coordination of local administration, police and BR authority.

Considering the issue as emergency, the letter also requested all DCs to inform Bangladesh Railway after taking steps.

It also said that on the occasion of the Eid-ul-Azha, cattle markets could be set up on BR land and adjacent to railway track in Molvibazar, Bogura, Dinajpur, Gopalganj, Faridpur, Rajbari, Kushtia and Chuadanga districts.

Earlier, adviser to the ministries of road transport and bridges and railways Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan said that no cattle markets would be allowed on the roads and highways across the country.