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DHAKA, May 27, 2026 (BSS) - Dhaka North and South City Corporations have taken extensive preparations to ensure the swift removal of sacrificial animal waste in the capital ahead of the holy Eid-ul-Azha, with around 29,500 personnel kept ready across the two city corporations to complete the task within the stipulated timeframe.

To ensure uninterrupted waste management operations, Eid holidays for officials and employees of the sanitation departments of both city corporations have been cancelled. Special hotlines are also being opened for residents, while around 1.77 million plastic, poly and biodegradable bags are being distributed to facilitate waste collection and disposal.

Relevant officials said waste removal activities will formally begin from the afternoon of Eid day. Around 700,000 sacrificial animals are expected to be slaughtered in the capital this year, generating nearly 55,000 tonnes of waste.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Freedom Fighter Md Abdus Salam told BSS that a special monitoring council comprising senior officials has been formed to supervise cattle markets and waste management activities. Officials and staff of waste management, transport and mechanical divisions have had their leave cancelled and remain prepared for field operations.

He said the main waste removal operation will begin at 12 noon on Eid day, with a target to completely remove the first day's sacrificial waste within the following eight hours.

The DSCC administrator urged city dwellers not to dump sacrificial waste into drains or sewers, warning that such practices could spread disease and cause severe waterlogging during rainfall.

DSCC Public Relations Officer Md. Russell Rahman said extensive preparations have been taken to transport and dispose of waste at the Matuail sanitary landfill. A total of 33,942 tonnes of waste is targeted for removal over May 28, 29 and 30. Of this, 15,935 tonnes will be removed on the first day, 11,776 tonnes on the second day, and 6,231 tonnes on the third day.

In addition, bamboo structures, thatching and other waste from cattle markets will be removed in phases, with 60 percent cleared on the first day, 30 percent on the second day and the remaining 10 percent on the third day.

This year, around 174,000 animals are expected to be sacrificed within the DSCC area. A total of 2,117 vehicles and equipment will be used for waste removal, including compactors, dump trucks, container carriers, pay-loaders, excavators, backhoe loaders, bulldozers and water tankers.

To support cleaning activities, 46 tonnes of bleaching powder, 210 gallons of Savlon and 140,000 biodegradable bags will be distributed. The entire operation will be monitored round-the-clock from a central control room at Nagar Bhaban, while separate control rooms will operate at each cattle market. 

Executive magistrates will be deployed to maintain law and order, alongside medical teams for animal healthcare services.

Two hotline numbers - 01709900888 and 02223386014 - have been opened to receive and quickly resolve citizen complaints.

Meanwhile, Administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan, said awareness campaigns on sacrificial waste management are being conducted through loudspeaker announcements in every ward. Imams are also encouraging worshippers after prayers and during Friday sermons to maintain cleanliness.

He said DNCC removed a total of 20,889 tonnes of waste during Eid-ul-Azha last year and has taken preparations to handle a similar volume this year.

DNCC Deputy Chief Waste Management Officer Md. Mofizur Rahman Bhuiyan told BSS that, in addition to the corporation's 6,500 sanitation workers, another 4,500 waste collectors will work in the field. Furthermore, 100 volunteers in each ward - totalling around 5,500 - will oversee cleaning activities. Altogether, nearly 16,000 personnel will remain deployed.

DNCC has distributed 1.63 million poly bags for waste collection and 3,600 sacks of bleaching powder as disinfectants. A total of 752 vehicles and equipment, including trucks, dumpers, pay-loaders, water tankers, compactor trucks and road sweepers, have been kept ready for use.

DNCC Public Relations Officer Md. Jobayer Hossain told BSS that around 1,000 meat processors across 54 wards are being trained to ensure proper animal slaughtering and waste management.

He said monitoring teams in 10 zones began operations three days before Eid, while instructions have been issued to prepare slaughtering sites and landfills for final waste disposal.

Officials from both city corporations expressed optimism that with public cooperation, the capital could be cleared of sacrificial waste within the targeted timeframe.