Burichang Jubo Dal leader sets up cattle haat on school ground

It has been alleged that in violation of the administration’s instructions, one Mostafa Kamal, Burichang Upazila Jubo Dal member and Sadar Union Jubo Dal joint convener, has arranged sacrificial cattle haats on the grounds of some educational institutions, including Fakir Bazar School and College ground, in the upazila.

It is known that the cattle haat on the Fakir Bazar School and College ground is scheduled to be held on June 4. Some students of Fakir Bazar School and College said, “We can’t play as poles have been installed in the ground. The beauty of the ground is also being ruined.”

It is known that on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, the Burichang Upazila Administration has called for a total of 21 temporary cattle haats in 9 unions. Out of these, 19 tenders were submitted. In addition, an influential group is preparing to illegally set up temporary haats in various areas of the upazila, including two haats that were not leased. By doing this, the government will lose revenue, while the legally leased markets will face losses.

Mostafa Kamal, son of late Yunus Mia of Jagatpur Village, has become the lessee of four markets, including Fakir Bazar. Locals allege that some people lease multiple haats for extra money and later transfer them to others at a higher profit. As a result, additional revenue is collected from cattle buyers in the market, which gives rise to dissatisfaction among buyers.

Regarding the setting up of the haat on the school ground, Fakir Bazar School and College Principal Pijiul Alam said, “Cattle haats have not been allowed to be set up in our institution’s ground for the last three years. This time, teachers and students have removed poles several times to prevent the haat, but the lessee has re-installed poles by using muscle power. The lessee gave us life threat if we stop him again. I don’t want to say anything else, you should find out from the locals.”

In this connection, lessee Mostafa Kamal said on his mobile phone, “I have installed poles in the field by managing local people and organizations.” When asked if the administration was aware, he hung up the phone.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Tanvir Hossain said, “We have not given permission for a cattle haat on the ground of any school or college. If something like this has happened, we will investigate and take necessary measures.”