A festive atmosphere has gripped the cattle markets and farms of Dinajpur as the holy Eid-ul-Adha approaches.
Among the thousands of animals prepared for sacrifice, three massive bulls named ‘Somrat’, ‘Rongbaz’, and ‘Badsha’ have become local sensations, drawing daily crowds of curious visitors from far and wide.
In Madhyadurgapur village of Parbatipur upazila, businessman Abdur Razzak has reared the district’s largest bull, aptly named ‘Somrat’ (Emperor).
This Sahiwal-Friesian cross, weighing approximately 30 maunds (1,125 kg), stands 5 feet tall and measures 10 feet in length.
Razzak, who raised the grey-coloured bull, using entirely natural and organic methods, is seeking Tk12 lakh for the animal.
Due to the difficulty of transporting such a heavy animal, he hopes to sell ‘Somrat’ directly from his home to avoid the influence of middlemen.
His family members shared that the bull is treated like a child and responds whenever called by name.
Meanwhile, at Islam Agro Farm in Chetrabazar, Birol upazila, a Brahma cross named ‘Rongbaz’ is attracting significant attention.
Weighing 25 maunds, the bull’s supervisor, Md Moinul Islam, stated that its daily maintenance costs nearly Tk1,000.
The farm is asking for Tk9 lakh for disease-free and robust animal. Md Israfil Hossain, Birol Upazila sub-assistant livestock officer, noted that while rearing such large Brahma crosses is expensive and challenging, they command excellent prices in the market.
In Birganj upazila’s Muraripur Kacharipara village, a 17.5-maund (700 kg) bull named ‘Badsha’ has also made waves. Reared on a balanced diet by farmer Md Monirul Islam, ‘Badsha’ is priced at Tk5 lakh.
Satyajit Roy Kartik, chairman of Shibrampur Union Parishad, remarked that the bull’s success has greatly encouraged other farmers in the area.
According to the District Livestock Office, Dinajpur is well-prepared for the upcoming festival with 4,26,524 animals readied by 62,408 farmers and households. The breakdown of available livestock includes 1,77,546 cattle, 2,34,990 goats, 13,729 sheep, 248 buffaloes, and 11 dumbas.
Md Abdur Rahim, the district livestock officer, confirmed that his department is maintaining regular contact with farmers to ensure they receive fair prices.
Birganj Upazila Livestock Officer Md Shahriar Mannan added that the trend of healthy, organic cattle fattening is playing a positive role in the local economy.
Livestock officials expressed confidence that there will be no shortage of animals this year and that farmers will be justly rewarded for their hard work.
