BNP leader sets up cattle market on school field in Chilmari
Chilmari (Kurigram) Correspondent
On the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, a cattle market has been set up on the playground of Chilmari Girls’ High School in Thanahat Union, Chilmari, Kurigram.
Students of the school have expressed serious concern that the field may be damaged by the hooves of cows and buffaloes, making it unsuitable for future use. Locals have reacted with widespread frustration over the matter.
Traditionally, the Chilmari Thanahat Eid cattle market was held at Chilmari Government College, but after the issue was highlighted last year on social media and in newspapers, the Upazila administration shut it down. This year, however, Zeyara Khatun Rozi, General Secretary of the Upazila unit of the BNP Mahila Dal and the current market leaseholder, allegedly used her influence to shift the market to the school field without any official permission. She is also reportedly employed at a government primary school.
On Wednesday, an on-site visit revealed that dozens of cows, goats, and buffaloes were being tied up in preparation for the market. Posts had been installed across the field for tethering the animals. The field’s grass is being destroyed, and animal waste is further degrading the condition of the playground. Market organizers stated that the cattle market would be fully operational from 2 PM that day.
Several students, including Kranti Sharma, Suraiya Khatun, and Moni, voiced their anger:
"This is the only playground we have, and it has recently been filled and leveled. We've barely had a chance to use it, and now they're setting up a cattle market. During the rainy season, the field stays muddy. If the market continues, the field will become completely unusable. We want this cattle market stopped immediately."
When asked about the issue, BNP leader and market leaseholder Zeyara Khatun Rozi responded dismissively, saying:
"This kind of thing should be discussed in person. If you (journalists) keep asking for permissions on every little local matter, it doesn’t work like that."
Sajjadur Rahman Saju, Head Teacher of the school, said, I did not give any permission for the cattle market. When I met with the UNO, he neither explicitly approved nor rejected the idea. My students have already submitted a complaint to the UNO."
UNO and Assistant Commissioner (Land), Suboj Kumar Bosak said, we have not received any written application from the market authorities, nor have I given any permission to set up a market on the school grounds."
The incident has sparked strong public backlash, with many demanding immediate relocation of the market and protection of the school's only playground.
On the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, a cattle market has been set up on the playground of Chilmari Girls’ High School in Thanahat Union, Chilmari, Kurigram.
Students of the school have expressed serious concern that the field may be damaged by the hooves of cows and buffaloes, making it unsuitable for future use. Locals have reacted with widespread frustration over the matter.
Traditionally, the Chilmari Thanahat Eid cattle market was held at Chilmari Government College, but after the issue was highlighted last year on social media and in newspapers, the Upazila administration shut it down. This year, however, Zeyara Khatun Rozi, General Secretary of the Upazila unit of the BNP Mahila Dal and the current market leaseholder, allegedly used her influence to shift the market to the school field without any official permission. She is also reportedly employed at a government primary school.
On Wednesday, an on-site visit revealed that dozens of cows, goats, and buffaloes were being tied up in preparation for the market. Posts had been installed across the field for tethering the animals. The field’s grass is being destroyed, and animal waste is further degrading the condition of the playground. Market organizers stated that the cattle market would be fully operational from 2 PM that day.
Several students, including Kranti Sharma, Suraiya Khatun, and Moni, voiced their anger:
"This is the only playground we have, and it has recently been filled and leveled. We've barely had a chance to use it, and now they're setting up a cattle market. During the rainy season, the field stays muddy. If the market continues, the field will become completely unusable. We want this cattle market stopped immediately."
When asked about the issue, BNP leader and market leaseholder Zeyara Khatun Rozi responded dismissively, saying:
"This kind of thing should be discussed in person. If you (journalists) keep asking for permissions on every little local matter, it doesn’t work like that."
Sajjadur Rahman Saju, Head Teacher of the school, said, I did not give any permission for the cattle market. When I met with the UNO, he neither explicitly approved nor rejected the idea. My students have already submitted a complaint to the UNO."
UNO and Assistant Commissioner (Land), Suboj Kumar Bosak said, we have not received any written application from the market authorities, nor have I given any permission to set up a market on the school grounds."
The incident has sparked strong public backlash, with many demanding immediate relocation of the market and protection of the school's only playground.
