Cattle markets alive amid extortion claims

As Eid ul-Adha approaches, cattle markets across the country, including those in the capital, have become increasingly alive, with rising sales and growing crowds of buyers and traders.

However, with only two days remaining before the festival, traders are reportedly holding out for higher prices, while buyers continue to bargain before making purchases.

Demand remains strongest for small and medium-sized cattle.

Alongside the bustling markets, concerns have emerged over alleged extortion targeting livestock-carrying trucks travelling to cattle markets.

Traders claim that along an approximately 500-kilometre highway stretch — from Rajshahi, Lalmonirhat and Bogura to Chattogram — illegal payments are being collected at nearly 20 points.

According to drivers and traders, these collections are allegedly carried out in the name of some highway and local police personnel, as well as individuals claiming political affiliations.

Those refusing to pay reportedly face harassment, lengthy document checks and, in some cases, physical intimidation.

Truck operators also allege incidents of robbery during night-time journeys.

At various points, each truck is reportedly compelled to pay between Tk 7,000 and Tk 10,000.

Similar allegations have been raised in areas including Gazipur, the 300-feet road in Purbachal, Shanir Akhra, Madanpur, Gawsia, Araihazar and Sonargaon, where cattle trucks are allegedly stopped and around Tk 500 collected from each vehicle.

Additional payments are also reportedly taken at several points in Cumilla, Feni and Chattogram.

Truck drivers further allege that some vehicles are stopped late at night under the pretext of document verification, increasing both delays and the risk of accidents.

Drivers claim that, in some instances, police signal moving trucks to stop by standing on highways at night, creating confusion for motorists.

Reports of robberies have also surfaced on routes including the Dhaka Bypass, Jatrabari, Mohakhali and Gulistan flyovers.

Drivers allege that criminals board slowing trucks at night, threaten them with sharp weapons and take cash, mobile phones and valuables.

The same pattern is reportedly being observed in Satkhira and Rangamati, where traders say payments are collected under labels such as “line charges”, “labour costs” and toll fees.

Livestock traders say these additional costs are causing financial losses for transport operators and cattle owners, while higher transport expenses are also contributing to increased cattle prices for consumers.

Drivers allege that highway police are among the most frequent sources of harassment.

Alongside alleged collections, officers reportedly inspect vehicle papers, including bluebooks, tax tokens, fitness certificates and route permits, and detain trucks over minor discrepancies.

Drivers claim they are often held for hours and later compelled to pay between Tk 5,000 and Tk 10,000. At some points, an additional Tk 300 is allegedly collected by individuals claiming political affiliation.

Bogura Highway Police Superintendent (SP) Abu Torab Mohammad Shamsul Alam, whose jurisdiction includes Rajshahi, Natore and Sirajganj, said strict action would be taken if any allegations were proven. “We have not received any such complaints.

However, covert surveillance is being conducted.

If any complaint is received against a police member, it will be investigated. If proven, no one will be spared. Maximum punitive action will be taken,” he said.

In a separate incident, a cattle truck travelling from Ishwardi in Pabna to Narayanganj was reportedly intercepted in the Ghorashal area by robbers travelling in a microbus.

The attackers allegedly injured the driver before fleeing with 26 cattle and the truck. Law enforcement later recovered the driver, vehicle and livestock.

On Sunday, SI Tofazzal Hossain and five constables were withdrawn and attached to the Bogura Range following allegations of extortion involving cattle trucks at the Hatikumrul roundabout. Sirajganj Highway Police said departmental action would follow if the allegations were substantiated.

Truck driver Tarikul, who transported cattle from Kolaroa cattle market to Dhaka, said: “Before Eid, cattle trucks receive special attention.

Some people pose as labourers, while others invoke the names of influential individuals. Throughout the journey, around Tk 3,000 to Tk 5,000 disappears.”

A truck owner said he receives Tk 40,000 for transporting cattle from Rajshahi to Dhaka and Tk 55,000 for Chattogram, but alleged that Tk 7,000 to Tk 10,000 is lost in extortion along the way.

“With rising fuel prices and other costs, if this extortion did not exist, we would face far less hardship and earn more from the business,” he added.