Indian cattle trade in syndicate's grip

An organised syndicate controls 10 markets selling Indian cattle in border areas of the district, thanks to the lax vigilance of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).

Consequently, the government is deprived of revenue worth crores of taka.

Around 6-7 thousand Indian cattle are smuggled into Bangladesh through 15 border routes in the district daily and these are sold at 10 cattle markets, sources at border areas said.

As per rule, Tk 500 is to be paid to the government authorities against each cow.

The government earned revenue of Tk 1.66 crore and 66,500 against 33,333 Indian cattle for the last seven months since January to July this year, said officials of Customs, Excise and Vat in Lalmonirhat Circle.

If the stipulated revenue was paid for all the Indian cattle, the government would earn Tk 30-35 lakh everyday, and the figure would be Tk 9-10 crore a month, customs officials said.

"Customs officials collect revenue against Indian cattle following the note given by BGB. If BGB men are vigilant enough, it would ensure huge revenue earning from Indian cattle," said Harish Chandra, superintendent of Customs, Excise and Vat in Lalmonirhat Circle.

Nur Islam, 44, an Indian cattle trader in Islampur border area of Patgram upazila, said, "We bring Indian cattle into Bangladesh through the border amid risk. We buy a cow for Tk 8-15 thousand from Indian people, and sell it for Tk 25-35 thousand in the cattle market inside Bangladesh. We pay Tk 1500-2000 to the syndicate for managing law enforcers and others along the border and in cattle markets.

"It is true that the government is deprived of huge revenue from Indian cattle. But many people, especially law enforcers, political men, and even reporters earn illegal benefit from the trade," said one of the bidders of Doikhowa cattle market in Hatibandha upazila.

Bhola Miah, 45, an Indian cattle trader on Durgapur border of Aditmari upazila, alleged that a smuggler recruited by BGB collects Tk 600-700 against each Indian cow or buffalo from them in the name of managing BGB and others.

The alleged smuggler said he collects bribe money to make the cattle business trouble-free.

However, commander of Durgapur BGB camp Nayek Subedar Saifuddin Ahmed refuted the allegation and said BGB never recruits anybody for collecting illegal toll. Lt Col Ahmed Bazlur Rahman Hayati, commanding officer of Lalmonirhat 15 BGB Battalion, said due to proper initiative of BGB, the revenue earning from Indian cattle has increased this year.