HC refuses to pass order against cattle markets in Covid-19-affected areas

The High Court today refused to pass any order asking the government to stop setting up cattle markets in coronavirus-affected areas -- including Dhaka, Chattogram, Narayanganj and Gazipur cities.

The HC bench of Justice M Enayetur Rahim dropped a writ petition filed, seeking its directive on the government to stop setting up cattle markets in the virus-affected areas from its hearing list.

The bench came up with the order after virtually holding a hearing on the petition.

Writ petitioner Advocate Md Eunus Ali Akond told The Daily Star that the HC refused to interfere in the government's decision to set up cattle markets as the issue involves the religious sentiments of Muslims.

So, cattle markets can be set up in even the Covid-19 affected areas following the health guidelines, he added.

Eunus submitted the writ petition as a public interest litigation on July 16 via email, praying to the court to stop setting up such markets to protect people from the pandemic.

In the petition, he said National Technical Advisory Committee (NTAC) on Covid-19 had recommend authorities to not set up cattle markets in areas heavily affected by coronavirus.

However, authorities have allowed markets in those areas, ignoring NTAC's recommendation, which is a violation of the law and constitution, the lawyer stated.