Today, many technologically advanced nations are competing with each other in exploring wonders in the sky. Perhaps, that is not our mission right now but we could certainly do better in what is within our capabilities; but we surely cannot think that we are doing enough when people in Dhaka city slaughter their animals in open spaces indiscriminately, spreading foul smells in the air and spilling blood here and there. Presumably, some 2000 cows are slaughtered in capital every day and all of them in open spaces. It is spoiling the city environment to a great extent and posing threat to its residents’ health.

Another thing is that these animals are being slaughtered without any health check-up. Experts are saying that sometimes some ailing and dead animals are slaughtered. If anyone consumes meat from such animals, what benefit can they expect except diseases? Therefore, more veterinary officers and inspectors should be appointed to monitor slaughtering animals.
Meanwhile, there are only five slaughter houses in the capital but they have been left useless. We can sense a sheer negligence on the part of the city corporation authorities in this regard. Previously, it was also heard that authorities will construct a slaughter house with modern facilities at Gabtali area. However, it had not yet come true.   

A section of Animals Slaughter and Meat Quality Control Act 2011 provides that no animal can be slaughtered outside except on family and religious occasions. Probably, this legal provision is either unknown to the butchers or forgotten by them. Perhaps, the butchers are not interested to take their animals to slaughter houses for some excuses. But, how can city authorities allow something that causes public sufferings and threatens the public health and environment?
The number of existing facilities is inadequate to accommodate slaughtering of animals in two city corporations. So, the authorities should make the facility available in nearby areas. The existing slaughter houses should be opened immediately and the butchers should be encouraged to take their animals there for slaughtering. Perhaps, one day they will find it convenient to use it. But till then they should be given strict instructions to keep their present slaughtering places clean.