Khulna residents face safety hazards as stray cattle continue to roam city streets despite municipal warnings
Photo Collected
KHULNA — Unchecked cattle herds wandering through the busy streets of Khulna are causing significant public safety concerns, leading to traffic accidents and the destruction of urban greenery. Despite formal warnings issued by the Khulna City Corporation (KCC), local authorities have yet to take punitive action against the owners, leaving residents and motorists increasingly frustrated.
The stray cattle frequently occupy major thoroughfares, including the Nirala STS area, Boyra Bazar, and the Khalishpur BIDC Road. In the Nirala district, herds of up to 40 cattle are routinely observed scavenging at waste disposal sites, impeding sanitation workers and damaging public property. Local business owners report that the animals frequently defecate in front of commercial establishments, creating sanitary hazards, and have even damaged municipal waste collection equipment.
The presence of livestock on the roads has resulted in documented traffic accidents. Recently, a female teacher and her husband sustained injuries after their motorcycle collided with another vehicle while attempting to avoid a cow that had suddenly swerved into their path near the Nirala Tabligh Mosque. Local residents complain that these incidents are common, noting that despite identifying the owners, appeals to keep the animals off the streets have been ignored.
While local residents have named specific individuals, including Mohammad Uzzal, Mohsin, and Sajid, as primary owners of the wandering herds, those accused often deflect responsibility. Uzzal denied the allegations, claiming he only releases his cattle for short periods while cleaning his stalls and argued that he is unfairly blamed for the actions of other owners.
The Khulna City Corporation recently issued formal notices to owners, warning that allowing livestock to roam freely is a punishable offense. The KCC highlighted that the cattle are consuming trees planted under the Prime Minister’s afforestation program and causing significant disruption to traffic flow. KCC Veterinary Officer Peru Gopal Biswas stated that the administration is currently collecting data on the owners and issued 16 warning letters on July 29.
However, advocates for road safety have expressed skepticism regarding the city’s commitment to enforcement. Mahbubur Rahman, president of the Khulna metropolitan branch of Nirapad Sarak Chai (Safe Road Movement), noted that the problem has persisted for years. He stated that despite numerous complaints to the Metropolitan Police and the City Corporation, no tangible progress has been made, and the cattle continue to roam the city’s busiest intersections unabated.
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