Cattle markets across Dhaka’s two city corporation areas have seen a significant shift in control, with several prominent markets now being leased or operated by leaders affiliated with Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
Traditionally, ruling party figures dominate these lucrative Eid operations.
Following the political shift on August 5, 2024, which saw many top leaders of the ruling Awami League either flee the country, go into hiding, or end up in jail, the party’s previous market syndicates are now notably absent from the temporary cattle market scene.
This year, 21 temporary cattle markets have been approved in Dhaka: 12 in Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and 9 in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). However, due to a High Court order, markets in densely populated areas like Aftabnagar and Meradia (South), and Badda and Khilkhet (North), are restricted.
Ahead of Eid-ul-Adha, DNCC has issued new tenders for alternate locations, bringing the potential number of markets in the capital to 23, including two permanent markets in Gabtoli and Sarulia.
City corporation officials confirmed that most market leases have already been finalized. The sale of sacrificial animals will take place over five days, including Eid day.
Gabtoli Cattle Market, one of the most prominent, is now under the de facto control of BNP leader Sohel Rahman, despite his group ranking fifth in the bidding process. Documents reveal the highest bidder was Arat Motors, which was recommended by the tender evaluation committee.
However, the lease was handed to S.A. Siddique Saju, a senior BNP figure and close associate of Sohel Rahman, for nearly Tk 22 crore.
In Khilkhet, Surmi Enterprise officially holds the lease, but the market is being operated by BNP’s Dhaka North Joint Convenor Akhtar Hossain.
Dhaka Polytechnic Ground Market faced scrutiny when the DSCC initially bypassed the top bidder and prepared to award the lease to SF Corporation, the third-highest bidder. After public criticism, the lease was re-evaluated and ultimately given to Zayan Enterprise, led by Jubo Dal (BNP youth wing) leader Moniruzzaman, for Tk 2.17 crore.
Kalshi Balur Math Market was leased to BNP’s Masudur Rahman of the party’s volunteer wing for Tk 30.2 lakh — Tk 50 lakh less than the government’s estimated price.
Ranabhola Switchgate Market in Uttara was leased for Tk 95 lakh to BNP’s former North Joint Secretary Atikur Rahman.
Eastern Housing Market in Mirpur initially saw BNP and Jamaat leaders offering identical bids, prompting a second round. It was ultimately awarded to Sohel Enterprise for Tk 2.55 crore. The market is located in the stronghold of BNP North Convenor Aminul Islam.
Basila Market in Mohammadpur was leased to local BNP leader Jalal Mridha for Tk 2.71 crore.
Rahman Nagar Market near Kachkura, 44th Ward, was awarded to Arham Enterprise, owned by BNP’s Shah Miraj, for Tk 13 lakh.
Sutivola Khal Market in Bhatara was leased to Tamim Enterprise, owned by BNP’s Rafiqul Islam, for Tk 3 crore — Tk 70 lakh below the official valuation.
DSCC and DNCC officials acknowledged that leaders from various opposition groups — including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, the National Committee Party (NCP), and Gono Odhikar Parishad — have emerged as significant bidders this year.
According to DSCC Chief Property Officer Kaiser Mohammad Farabi, “Leases have been granted to the highest bidders. Where bids were below expected rates, second and third round tenders will be held in accordance with regulations.”
Shahjahanpur-Khilgaon Railgate Market lease was awarded to Shikdar Enterprise for Tk 1.75 crore, just above the government-set price of Tk 1.74 crore.
Institute of Leather Technology Market was leased to Sabbir Enterprise for Tk 4.95 crore.
Meradia East Market was halted by a High Court injunction, despite a top bid of Tk 3.04 crore by Ferdous Ahmed.
Amulia Aligarh Model College Market was awarded for Tk 55 lakh.
Shyampur Kadamtoli Truck Stand Market, valued at Tk 67 lakh, saw the highest bid of just Tk 30 lakh by Nazmul Alam.
Sadeq Hossain Khoka Field & Dholai Khal Terminal received a bid of Tk 2 crore from Tushar Ahmed Imran — well below the estimated price of Tk 4.64 crore.
Postogola Cremation Ground Market, valued at Tk 2.7 crore, received a top bid of Tk 2.5 crore from Mohammad Ali Milon.
Despite controversy over some leases being awarded to political figures with questionable bidding standings, city officials maintain that all legal processes were followed. However, rival bidders and watchdogs continue to express concern over favoritism and policy violations in the market leasing process.