‘Donald Trump’ Buffalo Saved From Eid Sacrifice After Going Viral in Bangladesh

Dhaka: A rare albino buffalo, who is known as 'Donald Trump' in Bangladesh, has been spared from Eid al-Adha sacrifice due to its viral fame. After the last-minute intervention of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's government, the buffalo, who is known for its distinctive blond tuft, was saved from being sacrificed and has been shifted directly to the National Zoo. 

What is the buzz?

According to the Home Ministry official on Wednesday the buffalo was spared after the authorities intervened to save the nearly 700 kg (1,543 lb) buffalo sold for ritual slaughter. They cited security concerns after a ⁠surge of public interest ahead of the festival.

The biggest identity of this buffalo weighing around 700 kg was its golden hair swinging on its head. People found its hairstyle similar to that of US President Donald Trump, and then what, the internet named it 'Donald Trump'.

What did the government say?

Following orders from Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, the government decided to refund the buyer's money and relocate the buffalo to Dhaka's National Zoo. Officials said that the move was prompted by unusual public interest and security concerns.

A ministry official said, "At the last moment, the decision was taken to spare the ​buffalo from sacrifice due to security concerns and ​the unusual level of public interest." However, it is also believed that the Bangladesh government did not want a sacrifice in Trump's name, as it did not want unnecessary tension.

What is the buzz?

Initially, it was supposed to be a normal animal purchase for sacrifice on Eid, but after the video went viral on social media, it became the talk of the town throughout Bangladesh. Huge crowds began gathering at the farm in Narayanganj, near Dhaka, with people traveling from far and wide just to see this unique buffalo.

Farm owner Ziauddin Mridha said that his younger brother first named the buffalo "Donald Trump" after seeing its hair. He thought the buffalo's golden hair resembled Trump's famous hairstyle. According to Mridha, this four-year-old albino buffalo was purchased about 10 months ago