Cumilla: A rare Rajasthan camel named ‘Sultan’, carrying a price tag of Tk 32 lakh, has become a major attraction in Cumilla ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, drawing crowds of curious visitors and sacrificial animal buyers to a local farm.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the six-year-old camel is currently housed at an agro farm in the Lakshminagar area under Sadar Dakshin upazila. People from different parts of the district are flocking daily to catch a glimpse of the unusual animal. Farm owner Jewel Ahmed mentioned that the camel was brought to Bangladesh around two months ago from India’s Rajasthan region through a Dhaka-based businessman. His son named the camel ‘Sultan’ due to its appearance and presence.
Ahmed explained that he introduced the camel to add uniqueness to this year’s sacrificial animal market ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. Although the peak trading season has yet to begin, the asking price for the camel is Tk 32 lakh. Several interested buyers have already visited the farm and started preliminary negotiations. Ahmed noted the overwhelming response from visitors and plans to take Sultan to the Neura cattle market later in the season to attract more potential buyers.
Caretaker Sumon Miah stated that maintaining the camel is easy and not much different from rearing cattle. He described Sultan as calm and noted its preference for lying on sandy ground. The camel mainly feeds on grass and hay but shows a liking for thorny plants, reflecting the dietary habits typical of desert animals.
The camel’s presence has generated excitement throughout the area, especially among children and young people, many of whom visit the farm daily for photographs and videos. Local resident Morshed Alam described Sultan as a rare spectacle for the region, highlighting the uniqueness of seeing camels in local cattle markets.
District Livestock Officer Mohammad Shamsul Alam confirmed that the livestock department is monitoring the situation and is ready to provide medical assistance and technical support if necessary. Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner (Local Government) Abdullah Al Mamun stated that the district administration has completed preparations for 430 cattle markets across Cumilla ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. The markets will operate under the Cumilla City Corporation, six municipalities, and 17 upazilas to ensure smooth trading of sacrificial animals during the festival season.