Hotline launched to stop extortion at livestock markets

Ahead of the holy Eid-ul-Azha, the government has taken special initiatives to stop extortion at livestock markets across the country. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said that a special hotline is being launched for this purpose. He urged people to report any information about extortion to 166113. He said this while talking to reporters after a law and order meeting on Tuesday.

The Home Minister said that a special monitoring cell will be operational at the police headquarters for a total of seven days before and after Eid-ul-Azha. In addition, Ansar members will be deployed at all livestock markets in the country so that buyers and sellers can buy and sell animals in a safe environment. He said that the forces responsible for security during Eid have been instructed to be on the highest alert.

He also said that 15 livestock markets will be set up in the Dhaka North City Corporation area and 11 in the South City Corporation area. At the same time, the government has allocated Tk 20 crore for free supply of salt to preserve the skins of sacrificial animals. Besides, BGMEA and BKMEA have said that salaries and allowances of all garment workers will be paid before Eid.

Recently, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman had alleged that the prices of goods in the market are increasing due to extortion. Reacting to this, the Home Minister said that action will be taken immediately after receiving specific information. He also said that since April 30, a special operation has been going on across the country against extortionists, terrorists, armed men and drug dealers.