‘Nasiruddin Patwary’ Steals the Spotlight
Photo: Agamir Somoy
The cattle market in Barlekha of Moulvibazar has turned vibrant in the final days ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, with traders and buyers flocking to the market in large numbers. At the center of attention stands a giant bull named ‘Nasiruddin Patwary.’
The locally bred bull, weighing nearly 28 maunds, has already generated widespread interest among locals. The farmer said he raised the animal entirely on natural feed and is seeking Tk 800,000 for it.
Farmer Kajol Mia of Bachhirpur village in Juri upazila has been raising the bull for nearly two and a half years. ‘Nasiruddin Patwary’ was born from the family’s own cow. From an early age, the bull attracted attention because of its physique and temperament. The family named it ‘Nasiruddin Patwary’ out of fondness due to its strong build and aggressive nature.
Kajol Mia said he raised the bull on local feed without using any fattening drugs. He feeds it broken rice, bran, oil cake, grass, and straw every day. The animal also requires bathing twice daily, as it cannot tolerate heat at all.
Meanwhile, sellers continue bringing thousands of local and foreign cows and goats to the market every day. Traders said production costs increased this year due to higher expenses for fattening livestock, yet they are asking lower prices than last year. Even then, buyers walk away after hearing the prices, leaving sellers worried.
On the other hand, buyers said traders have set excessively high prices, making it difficult for them to purchase cattle and goats within their means.
A visit to the cattle market at Haziganj Bazar in Barlekha municipal town on Thursday found sellers bringing large numbers of cows, buffaloes, goats, and sheep for sale. Police members remained stationed at the market with strict security measures and counterfeit currency detection machines. Officials from the upazila livestock department’s medical team also monitored animal health at the market. Police officials said the law-and-order situation at the cattle market remained satisfactory, and trading activities continued without any untoward incidents.
Sellers Kajol Mia, Rahel Ahmed, Babul Mia, and Nazim Uddin said they spent significantly more money this year than last year to fatten cows, buffaloes, and goats using local methods. As a result, livestock prices at this year’s Eid market remain slightly higher.
Meanwhile, buyers continue crowding the market to catch a glimpse of ‘Nasiruddin Patwari.’ They said the market features numerous local and foreign cattle, but they have not seen another bull as large as this one this season.
Buyers Nizam Uddin, Marjanul Islam, and Kabir Mia said they came to the market to purchase sacrificial animals and liked ‘Nasiruddin Patwari.’ However, they said sellers are demanding much higher prices this year compared to last year, making it difficult to buy livestock within their budget.
Upazila Livestock Officer Dr. Md. Aminul Islam said Barlekha upazila is meeting local demand for sacrificial animals while also supplying livestock to other areas.
“Farmers’ production costs have increased due to rising feed prices. That is why we are advising them to use more green grass instead of concentrated feed. At the same time, the relevant authorities have ensured that Indian cattle are not entering through the border,” he added.
