A buffalo in Bangladesh escaped the slaughter this Eid thanks to its name: Donald Trump.
The animal, a large male buffalo, had been marked for sacrifice during the Muslim festival of Eid al Adha. But when word spread that the beast shared a name with the former U.S. president, local residents in the town of Cox's Bazar stepped in to save it.
Owner named the buffalo after Trump years ago
The buffalo's owner, a local farmer, told reporters he had given the animal the name Donald Trump several years ago. He said he chose the name because the buffalo was strong and dominant, much like the American leader he admired. The farmer had raised the buffalo from a calf and planned to sell it for sacrifice, a common practice during Eid when families slaughter livestock to commemorate the prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son.
Locals raised money to buy the buffalo's freedom
When the buffalo was put up for sale at a livestock market, news of its name spread quickly. Some residents objected to the idea of slaughtering an animal named after a sitting U.S. president. A group of locals pooled their money and purchased the buffalo from the farmer. They then arranged to keep the animal alive, donating it to a nearby farm where it will live out its days. The farmer accepted the payment and agreed to let the buffalo go.
The incident took place in Cox's Bazar, a coastal district in southeastern Bangladesh known for its long beach and fishing communities. The story gained attention in local media before being picked up internationally.
For many in the community, the buffalo's name made it a symbol. Some saw it as a gesture of respect toward a foreign leader. Others simply found the coincidence too strange to ignore. Whatever the reason, the buffalo now grazes in a field instead of ending up on a dinner plate.
