Rangpur has seen a rise in popularity of a cattle residential hotel, offering relief to wholesale traders visiting from across the country during Eid-ul-Adha.
However, with only one such facility located in the city centre, demand often exceeds capacity.
The hotel, named Ashanur Cattle Residential Hotel, is situated in the Dhormodas Baro Aulia area. It was previously located at Modern Mor, but was relocated due to the expansion of the Rangpur–Dhaka highway into six lanes. Built with a tin roof, it can accommodate more than 400 cows.
Owner Ashanur Islam Mia said he established the hotel seven years ago to help traders from Rangpur region, who buy cattle for sale in Chattogram, Noakhali, Cumilla, Barishal, Khulna, Sylhet, Dhaka and other areas.
He said, “After purchasing cattle, traders often face challenges transporting them safely. Security concerns and lack of storage prompted me to start this hotel. At Modern Mor, it was difficult, so I moved here. We charge Tk50 per cow per night, Tk60 during Eid. The response has been tremendous. Even if I could triple capacity, I could not meet demand.”
Ashanur added that the hotel maintains strict cleanliness and security. Traders may bring their own feed or use the hotel’s arranged supply for a fee. On inspection, rows of cows were seen under tin sheds with sunlight provisions and several fans circulating air. Traders were feeding the animals, while hotel staff cleaned waste throughout the day and night.
Cattle trader Ashiqur Rahman Thanda Mia, who brought cows from Hathazari in Chattogram, said, “Earlier, I worried about transporting the cattle. Now, the hotel removes those concerns. I bought 74 cows from Lalbagh market on Wednesday; two truckloads were dispatched, while the remainder are housed here before onward transport. The arrangements are satisfactory.”
Traders Akhtarul Islam and his son-in-law Tanvir ul Islam, from Maijdi in Noakhali, said the hotel has eased their work, though the single facility creates pressure. “More hotels would help significantly,” they added.
Rangpur Divisional Livestock Director Dr Md Abdul Hai Sarkar praised the initiative, saying, “This facility allows secure storage for external buyers, reducing inconvenience and enabling larger purchases. More hotels would encourage further trading.”
Professor Morshed Hossain of Rokeya University’s economics department suggested similar residential hotels near major markets. “Over 16 northern districts trade more than Tk30,000 crore worth of cattle annually, half going outside the region. Properly maintained facilities could attract investors and ensure cattle availability year-round,” he said.
Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Shahidul Islam welcomed the initiative and said authorities would support private entrepreneurs willing to establish additional cattle hotels.
