Amid an alarming Covid-19 surge, the authorities have allowed only three temporary cattle haats in the port city on seventeen conditions.

The cattle markets will be allowed from July 12 in Karnaphuli, Saltgola Rail Crossing, and Patenga Butterfly Park.

Currently, there are three permanent cattle markets—Sagarika, Bibirhat, and Postarpar Bazar—in the city.

The conditions:  the haats to be installed 100 feet away from the main roads; to pay 20 % lease money as revenue, no additional stump for cattle outside the market, ensure health guidelines, ensure hand sanitization while entering or exiting the market, maintain social distance, wearing facemasks.

There will be one entrance and one exit point in the cattle market and all must avoid crowds, sources of the local administration said.

The haats will be kept under CCTV surveillance and the authorities have been asked to recruit volunteers for ensuring security to the market.

Mohammad Nazrul Islam, chief revenue officer of Chattogram City Corporation, said “We have sought approval of installing seven temporary cattle haats but the local administration allowed only three.”

Earlier on July 4, Fisheries and Livestock Minister SM Rezaul Karim said the government will not allow entry of any cattle from outside the country ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.