June 23, 2026
DHAKA – The rare albino buffalo known as “Donald Trump,” which attracted widespread attention in Bangladesh and abroad, has been transferred to the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) in Savar for scientific research.
Following a directive from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, the animal was formally handed over to BLRI by the Mirpur National Zoo on Sunday. It is now undergoing a mandatory 14-day preliminary quarantine.
BLRI authorities have formed a 13-member committee to oversee the buffalo, headed by Chief Scientific Officer and Head of the Buffalo Production Research Division, Dr Gautam Kumar Deb. Officials said the animal will remain at the institute permanently.
Speaking to The Daily Star, Dr Gautam said the buffalo had been brought in for research on breed development.
“As this breed is highly attractive, research will mainly focus on its genetic and production potential. The animal is under quarantine for 14 days, with restricted access and ongoing observation. It is healthy and will remain here permanently,” he said.
The buffalo was originally reared by Ziauddin Mridha, owner of Rabeya Agro Farm in Narayanganj. Ahead of this year’s Eid-ul-Azha, it was purchased for Tk 3.85 lakh by Moniruzzaman of the Zindabahar area in Old Dhaka for sacrificial purposes.
However, the animal gained viral attention on social media, prompting authorities to take custody of it on security grounds. It was later handed over to Keraniganj Police Station following instructions from the authorities and subsequently transferred to the National Zoo in Mirpur.
The buffalo remained at the zoo until its recent relocation to BLRI for scientific study.