Sacrificial buffalo crosses into India, returns after BGB-BSF coordination

Border guards of Bangladesh and India joined hands to repatriate a buffalo, a sacrificial animal, which accidentally crossed into India on the Eid day, Saturday.

The buffalo was bought for sacrifice by Md Nazim Uddin, a resident of the Baganbazar area in Ramgarh upazila of Khagrachhari district.

It into Indian territory on Eid day morning, and it was later brought back on Sunday thanks to the joint efforts of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and India's Border Security Force (BSF).

According to BGB Ramgar Battalion sources, the buffalo crossed the border through the Puratan Ramgarh area after locals attempted to catch it. It swam across the frontier Feni River.

As the buffalo crossed the border, the commander of BGB's Baganbazar BOP immediately informed Lt Col Md Ahsan Ul Islam, commanding officer of Ramgarh Battalion (43 BGB), who then contacted his counterpart, the Indian 114 BSF Battalion, to initiate the animal's return home.

Though BSF launched a search operation, they were unable to retrieve the buffalo on Eid day due to dense forest and nightfall.

Around 11am Sunday, BSF personnel made another attempt, during which the buffalo re-entered Bangladeshi territory by crossing the Feni River.

BGB personnel, with assistance from locals, managed to capture the animal. It was handed over to its owner, Md Nazim Uddin, at approximately 12:10pm.

Overjoyed, Nazim said, "Thanks to the sincere efforts of BGB, we not only got our sacrificial animal back, but our Eid joy was also restored. This was more than just the recovery of an animal — it was a demonstration of deep respect for our religious sentiments and a true example of BGB standing by border residents."

Locals praised the BGB's dedication and professionalism, saying the force consistently ensures the security and well-being of people living in border areas.

Commenting on the incident, Lt Col Md Ahsan Ul Islam said, "Qurbani [animal sacrifice] is a significant religious ritual for Muslims. When a devout individual faces such an unfortunate situation, it is the responsibility of the state's security forces to respond with compassion. We coordinated with the Indian BSF to bring the buffalo back, and the effort was successful."

The buffalo was later slaughtered on Sunday, the second day of Eid-ul-Adha.