Dhaka City Corporation launches today a drive to ensure sale of safe and healthy sacrificial animals in the city ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

The drive will continue until the day before Eid.

Two mobile courts led by executive magistrates --Sheikh Jasim Uddin Ahmed and Khalil Ahmed — have already been deployed. A group of veterinary doctors will also join the teams.

The teams will operate in the 12 cattle markets in Dhaka.

Executive Magistrate Khalil Ahmed said no anthrax infection had been reported since mid September. "There is nothing to be afraid of,” he said.

Due to a massive vaccination programme, the government was able to contain anthrax two months ago and withdraw the "anthrax alert” on October 7. The alarm was raised just before Eid-ul-Fitr.

If buyers and sellers suspect sickness of any cattle, they can inform the teams and the vets would look into the matter and take necessary actions, said Khalil Ahmed.

"No cattle market would be set up creating obstacles to vehicular movement. Action would be taken if people realise extra toll Ihasil] or set up cattle markets without the approval of the DCC," he added.

The home ministry on Tuesday also formed a monitoring cell to prevent extortion related to cattle transport and marketing with Additional Secretary to the ministry Iqbal Khan Chowdhury as its coordinator.

The monitoring cell will oversee activities from the control room at the police headquarters.