Law enforcing agencies are on high alert to check extortion from traders of sacrificial animals on the highways. The directive came from the police headquarters ahead of the Eid-ul-Azha, when thousands of sacrificial animals are transported to the capital from across the country. AKM Hafiz Akter, Deputy Inspector General of Rajshahi Range of Bangladesh Police, strictly warned of punishment if anyone extorts money from cattle traders on the highways and both the sides of the Bangabandhu Bridge in particular.
He said, “Police Headquarters have already conveyed messages to the highway patrol police officers and other security forces strongly urging them to check extortions on highways. We would not tolerate the sufferings of anyone traveling on the highways just for the sake of extortion.” He made the remarks after visiting on-going repairing works by the Roads and Highways Department in Sirajganj.
He said that police will remain alert on the highways so that passengers traveling to northern districts can enjoy hassle-free journeys during this Eid. About the possible extortion before Eid, DIG Hafiz said, “Extortions in the name of realizing organizational monthly or annual subscriptions of transport companies would not be tolerated.”
He also requested concerned engineers working to repair highways to complete works of the western side of the Bangabandhu Bridge before the Eid. Md Mahbubur Rahman, Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) Commissioner said, “Allegations of extortions are always raised in relation to cattle traders. This year we have instructed not to stop and check vehicles carrying sacrificial animals on the highways.”
He also said that drone camera will be used on the cattle markets. Earlier on July 31, Inspector General of Police Dr Javed Patwary sent strict instructions to the police force not to stop vehicles carrying sacrificial animals ahead of the Eid without legitimate reasons. The police chief also said that makeshift cattle markets would not be allowed beside highways.