Authorities in Kalapara, Patuakhali, stopped a traditional buffalo fighting event after welfare concerns and legal violations, dispersing crowds and warning organisers of strict action under the Animal Welfare Act 2019.
Authorities in southern Bangladesh halted a traditional buffalo fighting event in Patuakhali’s Kalapara upazila on Sunday, citing violations of animal welfare laws and concerns over cruelty.
The event was scheduled to take place early on January 4 in Salimpur village under Nilganj Union. Two large buffaloes were brought to the venue by their owners, Mojibor Fakir and Sohel Mira, to take part in the contest. The competition had drawn thousands of spectators from nearby villages and distant areas, highlighting the popularity of such events in parts of rural Bangladesh.
Buffalo fighting is prohibited under Bangladesh’s Animal Welfare Act 2019, which bans the provocation, harassment or use of animals for fighting or hazardous performances.
The incident reflects growing efforts by Bangladeshi authorities and civil society organisations to enforce animal welfare legislation and discourage practices that harm animals, even when they are rooted in long-standing local customs.
Acting on information from Animal Lovers of Patuakhali’s Kalapara unit, local authorities intervened before the event could begin. Upazila Livestock Officer Dr Maruf Billah and Assistant Commissioner (Land) Yasin Sadik visited the site and announced the cancellation, prompting the crowd to disperse.
Bayezid Munshi, a member of Animal Lovers of Patuakhali, said public entertainment should not come at the cost of animal suffering. “People may enjoy watching these fights, but for the animals it is extremely painful and stressful,” he said. “Especially in winter, animals need protection, not forced participation in dangerous activities.”
Zahidul Islam, district coordinator of YouthNet Global in Patuakhali, said youth and civil society groups have a responsibility to challenge harmful practices. “Respect for life must be central to our cultural traditions,” he said. “Young people are stepping forward to promote humane and ethical treatment of animals.”
Dr Maruf Billah, the Upazila Livestock Officer, said the intervention was necessary to uphold the law. “The Animal Welfare Act clearly prohibits provoking animals to fight,” he said. “Our duty is to ensure their safety and wellbeing.”
“Animal fighting is a clear violation of the law and amounts to cruelty,” said Assistant Commissioner (Land) Yasin Sadik. “We stopped the event to prevent suffering, and anyone attempting to organise such activities in the future will face strict legal action.”
