A wave of cattle theft has left two farming families in northern Bangladesh devastated just weeks before Eid-ul-Adha, after thieves allegedly stole eight cows from separate households in Jamalpur’s Madarganj upazila during the same night.
The incidents took place early on Friday morning in the villages of Purba Sukhnagari and Banikunj, according to the affected farmers and local police. The stolen animals had reportedly been raised throughout the year with the intention of being sold during the Eid cattle market season, which traditionally provides rural families with one of their most important annual sources of income.
Farmer Monir Hossain, from Purba Sukhnagari village under Balijuri Union, said he had tied the cattle inside his cowshed before going to sleep. At dawn, his mother discovered the shed door open and all five cows missing.
Speaking emotionally after the incident, Monir said the cattle represented the savings and labour of an entire year. He explained that he had raised the animals specifically for sale ahead of Eid-ul-Adha and now faced severe financial uncertainty after losing everything overnight.
In a separate but similar incident, farmer Shah Ali from Banikunj village reported that three cows had been stolen from his cowshed during the same night. He said the animals were safely kept inside the enclosure before the family went to bed, but by morning the shed had been emptied.
The back-to-back thefts have triggered fear and anxiety among local farmers and cattle traders in the area. Residents fear that organised cattle theft gangs may become increasingly active ahead of Eid, when livestock prices rise sharply across the country.
Reported Cattle Theft Incidents
| Farmer | Location | Number of Cattle Stolen | Estimated Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monir Hossain | Purba Sukhnagari, Balijuri Union | 5 | Planned Eid-ul-Adha sale |
| Shah Ali | Banikunj area, Madarganj municipality | 3 | Planned Eid-ul-Adha sale |
| Total | Madarganj Upazila | 8 | Seasonal livestock trade |
Local residents said cattle farming has become increasingly expensive in recent years due to rising feed and transport costs. For many small-scale farmers, Eid cattle sales are essential for repaying loans, funding household expenses, and sustaining agricultural operations for the rest of the year.
Police officials confirmed that law enforcement personnel visited both locations shortly after receiving reports of the thefts. However, authorities said no formal written complaint had yet been submitted at the time of reporting.
Officer-in-Charge Snehasish Roy of Madarganj Model Police Station stated that investigations were under way and security measures were being strengthened to prevent further incidents. He added that regular checkpoints were being operated and villagers were being advised to remain vigilant, particularly during the busy pre-Eid livestock trading period.
The incidents have renewed concerns over rural security and the vulnerability of small farmers whose livelihoods depend heavily on seasonal livestock sales.