Nikli cattle market lease drops by Tk 2.5cr
The administration has leased out the Gopi Roy Cattle Market in Nikli Upazila of Kishoreganj for Tk 1.25 crore for the Bengali year 1433, marking a sharp decline from last year’s lease value of Tk 3.75 crore.
Former Nikli Upazila chairman Mukaram Sardar secured the lease this year, around Tk 2.5 crore lower than the previous lease amount, triggering allegations of large-scale irregularities and possible revenue loss for the government.
Sources said the market, popularly known as Gopi Roy’s Cattle Market, has grown steadily since its establishment in 2009.
Last year, Jamshed Ali of neighbouring Sajanpur village took the lease for Tk 3 crore 75 lakh 50 thousand 800. According to him, the market had long been controlled by syndicates linked to Awami League leaders.
Records show that until the Bengali year 1431, the highest annual lease value of the market was around Tk 35 lakh. However, the market has expanded significantly in recent years.
Around 2,000 cattle are reportedly sold every Wednesday at the weekly market. Buyers and sellers each pay Tk 300 per cow or buffalo transaction, while both sides pay Tk 150 for goat sales.
Jamshed Ali claimed that each market day generates nearly Tk 12 lakh in revenue, with annual earnings estimated at around Tk 6 crore.
He said he made substantial profits even after taking the lease at Tk 3.75 crore in 1432, but did not participate in this year’s bidding process for various reasons.
According to relevant sources, Mukaram Sardar recently obtained the lease for Tk 1 crore 25 lakh. Repeated attempts to contact him by phone for comments regarding the significant reduction in lease value were unsuccessful.
When contacted, Nikli Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Rehana Majumdar Mukti could not provide specific information about the number of tenders submitted or details of the tender process.
Asked why the market was leased at such a low price, she said, “Previously, leases were also awarded for Tk 25 lakh. Among the tenders submitted this time, the highest bidder offered Tk 1 crore 25 lakh.”
When asked whether there had been scope for re-tendering due to the comparatively low bids despite last year’s lease exceeding Tk 4 crore, she said she would provide details later.
Deputy Secretary of the Local Government Division Jebunnessa Shammi told The New Nation that a proper investigation should be conducted into why the cattle market was leased at such a low price.
