As preparations for Eid al-Adha ramp up in Bangladesh, two buffaloes near Dhaka have become unexpected local celebrities. Residents and visitors insist the animals bear striking resemblances to world leaders, and crowds of onlookers, photographers and selfie-seekers have begun arriving to see them.
The more famous of the pair is a roughly 700-kg albino buffalo nicknamed “Donald Trump.” Its pale skin and light coat prompted the comparison; owner Ziauddin Mridha says the nickname began as a joke after his younger brother pointed out the likeness. Photos and video of the animal have circulated online, helping fuel interest.
Nearby, a second large animal — about 750 kg and dubbed “Benjamin Netanyahu” — is drawing attention for its temperament. Farmhands describe it as lively and mischievous, saying it often snorts loudly and sometimes charges at handlers when it’s irritated, a behavior that has become part of its local reputation.
Both animals are housed in Narayanganj district, close to the capital, and their fame has brought a steady stream of visitors ahead of the holiday, when many people come to view and purchase sacrificial livestock. The owners and farm workers have fielded numerous requests for photos and interviews as the animals’ popularity grows.
The story highlights how quirky local anecdotes and social media can transform ordinary farm animals into viral attractions, especially around a major festival when interest in cattle increases sharply.
