In a decisive move against illegal meat trafficking, local authorities in Kazipur, Sirajganj, have apprehended two individuals transporting horse meat to Dhaka. A mobile court subsequently sentenced both to two months’ rigorous imprisonment and imposed fines of BDT 1,000 each. The operation took place on the morning of Friday, 20 February, at Meghai Ghat along the banks of the Jamuna River.
The mobile court was presided over by the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Mostafizur Rahman, while the detained individuals were identified as Md. Kawsar Ali Palash, 35, and Md. Shariful Islam, 45, both residents of Nital Dangapara village in Kishoreganj, Nilphamari district.
Operation and Arrest
According to the Upazila administration, intelligence indicated that a group of individuals was illegally slaughtering horses on the riverine chars of the Jamuna and planning to transport the meat to Dhaka under the cover of night. Acting on this tip-off, a team from Kazipur Police Station conducted overnight surveillance along the riverbank.
The operation culminated in the interception of a pickup truck carrying approximately 400 kilograms of boneless horse meat in 11 sacks. During interrogation, the suspects confessed that a total of eight horses had been slaughtered on the Jamuna chars for this illegal trade.
Legal Action
UNO Md. Mostafizur Rahman commented, “Previous attempts to smuggle horse meat along this route have also been intercepted. Today’s action falls under the provisions of the Animal Slaughter and Meat Control Act, 2011. Both individuals have been sentenced to two months’ rigorous imprisonment and fined BDT 1,000 each.”
During the raid, officers from Kazipur Police and Upazila Livestock Extension Officer Dr. Md. Abdul Ahad were present. The seized horse meat was subsequently destroyed through burial to prevent public health risks.
Details of Arrested Individuals and Seized Meat
| Name | Age | Village | Upazila Position | Seized Meat (kg) | Number of Sacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Md. Kawsar Ali Palash | 35 | Nital Dangapara | – | 400 | 11 |
| Md. Shariful Islam | 45 | Nital Dangapara | – | 400 | 11 |
This incident sends a clear warning from local authorities that illegal slaughter and meat trafficking will not be tolerated. The Jamuna River chars remain a hotspot for such illicit activities, posing serious threats to both public health and livestock management. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to strict enforcement to curb these practices.