The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has intensified nationwide surveillance and security operations ahead of Eid-ul-Azha to ensure order and safety at cattle markets, with a clear warning that no vehicle transporting sacrificial animals will be forcibly directed to any specific market under any circumstances.
Speaking after inspecting the Gabtoli cattle market in the capital on Sunday afternoon, the Director General of Rapid Action Battalion, Ahsan Habib Palash, emphasised that strict monitoring is in place to prevent coercion, extortion, and any form of undue interference in the livestock trade during the Eid period. He also visited the nearby Gabtoli bus terminal to review overall security arrangements and operational readiness.
He stated that law enforcement agencies are maintaining maximum vigilance to ensure discipline in cattle markets, safeguard both buyers and sellers, and prevent fraudulent activities such as deception in animal trading and illegal transactions. According to him, the security strategy has been significantly strengthened this year in response to evolving risks associated with large public gatherings during Eid.
Authorities are also closely monitoring social media platforms to detect and counter rumours, misinformation, or provocative content related to Eid activities and cattle markets. He warned that any verified attempt to spread disinformation will be dealt with promptly under existing legal provisions.
Special attention has been given to preventing criminal acts such as theft, mugging, and circulation of counterfeit currency around major livestock markets. Additional patrol units, surveillance teams, and rapid response forces have been deployed across key locations, particularly in and around high-traffic cattle trading zones.
The RAB chief noted that urban areas typically experience a temporary reduction in population during Eid holidays, a situation which some criminal groups attempt to exploit. To counter such threats, increased patrols and designated high-security zones have been established in vulnerable areas.
He further urged traders and customers to minimise cash transactions and instead use secure digital payment methods, including mobile financial services and card-based systems, which significantly reduce the risk of fraud and counterfeit currency circulation. Market authorities have also been instructed to keep counterfeit detection devices readily available for immediate verification of banknotes.
Key Security Measures in Cattle Markets
| Initiative | Description | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Checkpoints | Control posts on major roads and market entrances | Regulate vehicle movement and prevent coercion |
| Increased Patrols | Deployment of additional security teams | Prevent theft, robbery, and harassment |
| Control Rooms | Dedicated monitoring centres at markets | Ensure rapid communication and response |
| Watch Towers | Elevated observation points | Oversee crowd movement and security conditions |
| Social Media Monitoring | Continuous tracking of online content | Prevent rumours and misinformation |
| Fake Currency Detection | Deployment of verification equipment | Prevent financial fraud and counterfeit notes |
Authorities have confirmed that coordinated operations involving multiple law enforcement agencies will continue throughout the Eid season. The objective, according to officials, is to maintain a peaceful trading environment, ensure public safety, and uphold discipline across all cattle markets nationwide during one of the busiest commercial periods of the year.