Brahmanbaria: The strong-chested, long-bodied greyhounds of Sarail upazila in Brahmanbaria are a historic breed, known for their courage and combat skills that set them apart from other dogs. Their exceptional speed, sharp eyesight, and hunting ability once made them suitable for law enforcement dog squads, according to local sources.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, this traditional breed now faces the threat of extinction, with only a handful of households across Sarail still rearing greyhounds. To preserve this rare and valuable heritage, the local administration is considering establishing a greyhound breeding center. Sarail Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Mosharaf Hossain revealed that the administration has already held preliminary discussions and feasibility studies on the matter.
'We are planning to set up a breeding center to preserve and promote the greyhound breed through commercial production and marketing,' the UNO said. 'The upazila administration and the livestock department are jointly working on the plan,' he added.
During a field visit, it was found that only one family continues to rear greyhounds as part of a long-standing family tradition. Two brothers, Tapan Lal Rabidas and Joton Lal Rabidas of Chauraguda village in Noagaon union, are keeping alive the legacy started by their forefathers. However, the high cost of feeding and maintaining the dogs has made it increasingly difficult for them to continue.
Local legends suggest that about 200 years ago, the zamindar of Sarail, Dewan Mostafa Ali, acquired a female dog from a British officer by trading an elephant. After a hunting trip, the dog got lost but returned pregnant, giving birth to puppies that locals believe were the result of mating with a wolf. This marked the beginning of greyhound breeding in Sarail.
Elderly residents recall that at one time almost every household in Sarail had at least one greyhound for home security and to chase away jackals. Over time, many people began breeding them commercially. However, due to high maintenance costs, the number of greyhounds has sharply declined, with only a few families now keeping them out of passion. Among them, Tapan and Joton Rabidas are the only ones breeding greyhounds on a small commercial scale.
Local resident Mohammad Masud Mia emphasized the loyal and protective nature of the greyhounds and urged the government to extend support to preserve this heritage breed. The Rabidas brothers continue the tradition started by their ancestors, currently owning four large adult greyhounds. The financial burden of maintaining these dogs is challenging for the brothers, who work as cobblers.
According to livestock experts, government support is crucial to saving this historic breed from extinction. They recommend a joint public-private initiative to conserve and promote the rare and valuable Sarail greyhound breed.
Sources in the Upazila Livestock Office noted that a Greyhound Conservation Centre was established in 1983 under government patronage but closed due to inadequate funding, poor management, and lack of veterinary support. In 2001, a resident named Shahjahan Thakur attempted commercial breeding, but his initiative also failed.
UNO Mosharaf Hossain stated, 'When we talk about the heritage of Sarail, we cannot leave out the famous greyhound dogs. They represent Sarail's identity both at home and abroad. These loyal dogs not only guard homes but also possess sharp instincts similar to intelligence operations. Their preservation deserves serious attention.'