News Flash
RAJSHAHI, May 16, 2026 (BSS) - As Eid-ul-Azha approaches, cattle farms across Rajshahi have turned bustling with activity as farmers remain busy caring for sacrificial animals and entertaining streams of prospective buyers and curious visitors.
Among the attractions this season are two gigantic bulls named "Simba" and "Lalu" at Wali Cattle Farm in the Bamon Shikhar area near Khorkhori Bazar in Rajshahi city.
Weighing nearly 1,000 kilograms each, the massive bulls have already become a major attraction ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.
Farm owner Anwar Hossain Anar started cattle fattening as a hobby in 2017. Over the years, the small initiative has grown into a large commercial farm.
The farm currently houses 52 cattle, including 32 prepared for Eid-ul-Azha markets. Various breeds, including Sahiwal, Brahman, Ulbari and Friesian, are being raised there, but "Simba" and "Lalu" have captured the attention of visitors most.
The Brahman breed bull "Simba" and the Ulbari breed "Lalu", each weighing around 25 maunds, stand out for their huge physiques, tall structure, large horns and striking appearance.
People from different areas are flocking to the farm every day to see the two giant bulls.
"I started the farm out of passion, but now it has become my dream project," Anwar said.
He said the cattle were raised naturally with local grass and grain-based feed without using harmful substances or growth enhancers.
"I hope Simba and Lalu will be among the biggest attractions in Rajshahi this Eid season," he added.
Anwar said feed prices have increased significantly this year, pushing up production costs. Despite this, he expects each of the two bulls to sell for more than Tk 7 lakh.
"They could fetch up to Tk 10 lakh in Dhaka markets, but I prefer selling them directly from the farm or within Rajshahi," he said.
Recalling his experience from last year, the farmer said he had initially faced slow sales before a trader from Dhaka bought 29 cattle at once.
Farm workers are also passing busy days cutting grass, bathing the animals, feeding them and maintaining cleanliness at the farm.
According to the workers, maintaining each animal costs around Tk 700 to Tk 800 daily. They said regular vaccinations are ensured while no harmful drugs are used, helping keep the cattle healthy.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway in full swing at Rajshahi City Haat, one of the largest cattle markets in the northern region, ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.
Although trading activities have yet to gain full momentum, traders said prices of large cattle are relatively lower while smaller cattle are selling at higher rates due to demand.
Market leaseholder Nazir Hossain said all necessary measures have been taken to ensure security and smooth management at the cattle market during the Eid season.
Rajshahi District Livestock Officer Dr Atoar Rahman said more than one lakh sacrificial animals have been prepared in the district this year, exceeding local demand.
He added that veterinary teams would remain active to provide health checks and medical support for the animals during the Eid period.
A festive atmosphere has already gripped Rajshahi's cattle farms ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, with giant bulls "Simba" and "Lalu" emerging as major crowd-pullers this season.
