By Md. Shafiqul Islam

BRAHMANBARIA, Oct 22, 2025 (BSS) – The strong-chested, long-bodied greyhounds of Sarail upazila in Brahmanbaria are a historic breed, known for their courage and combat skills that set them apart from other dogs.

Their exceptional speed, sharp eyesight, and hunting ability once made them suitable for law enforcement dog squads, according to local sources.

However, this traditional breed now faces the threat of extinction, with only a handful of households across Sarail still rearing greyhounds. To preserve this rare and valuable heritage, the local administration is considering establishing a greyhound breeding center.

Sarail Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Mosharaf Hossain told BSS today that the administration has already held preliminary discussions and feasibility studies on the matter.

“We are planning to set up a breeding center to preserve and promote the greyhound breed through commercial production and marketing,” the UNO said.

“The upazila administration and the livestock department are jointly working on the plan,” he added.

During a field visit, it was found that only one family continues to rear greyhounds as part of a long-standing family tradition. Two brothers — Tapan Lal Rabidas and Joton Lal Rabidas of Chauraguda village in Noagaon union — are keeping alive the legacy started by their forefathers. However, the high cost of feeding and maintaining the dogs has made it increasingly difficult for them to continue.

According to local legends, about 200 years ago, the zamindar of Sarail, Dewan Mostafa Ali, was traveling to Kolkata with his elephants when he saw a beautiful dog owned by a British officer. Failing to buy it with money, he eventually traded an elephant for the female dog.

After returning home, the zamindar went hunting with the dog one day, but it got lost in the forest. Weeks later, the dog returned pregnant and later gave birth to several puppies that were noticeably different — resembling tigers in appearance. 

Locals believe the puppies were the result of mating between the dog and a wolf. From then on, greyhound breeding gradually spread throughout Sarail.

Elderly residents recall that at one time almost every household in Sarail had at least one greyhound, mainly for home security and to chase away jackals. Over time, many people also began breeding them commercially. However, due to the high maintenance cost, the number of greyhounds has sharply declined, with only a few families now keeping them out of passion. Among them, Tapan and Joton Rabidas are the only ones breeding greyhounds on a small commercial scale.

Local resident Mohammad Masud Mia told BSS that the greyhound is loyal and protective — guarding homes through the night and showing great affection toward its owner. He urged the government to extend support to preserve this heritage breed.

Rabidas brothers said their great-grandfather Kalicharan Rabidas first began rearing greyhounds, followed by their grandfather Gangacharan and father Mohan Lal. Now they are continuing the legacy, they said.

Currently, they own four large adult greyhounds — two males and two females — aged about two years. Their daily diet includes rice, fish, meat, milk, and boiled eggs. While they do not sell the adult dogs, the puppies fetch between Tk 30,000 and Tk 40,000 each. They sell about 7–8 puppies a year, with each sale certified by stamp paper.

However, maintaining the dogs has become financially burdensome for the brothers, who work as cobblers. “Each adult dog needs at least Tk 300 worth of food daily,” said Tapan Lal Rabidas.

“They eat only rice, fish, meat, eggs, and milk — nothing else. Sometimes we can’t afford to feed them properly. We’re only keeping them because our ancestors did,” he added.

His brother Joton Lal said, “Our father told us to keep at least two dogs to preserve the memory of our ancestors and the zamindar’s legacy. As long as we live, we’ll continue this tradition, and we’ve told our children to do the same.”
According to livestock experts, government support is crucial to saving this historic breed from extinction. They note that the greyhound is not only part of Sarail’s heritage but could also play a useful role in security operations if properly bred, trained, and maintained.

They recommend a joint public-private initiative to conserve and promote the rare and valuable Sarail greyhound breed.

Sources in the Upazila Livestock Office said a Greyhound Conservation Centre was established in 1983 under government patronage, but it was later closed due to inadequate funding, poor management, and lack of veterinary support. In 2001, a resident named Shahjahan Thakur attempted commercial breeding but his initiative also failed.

UNO Mosharaf Hossain said, “When we talk about the heritage of Sarail, we cannot leave out the famous greyhound dogs. They represent Sarail’s identity both at home and abroad. These loyal dogs not only guard homes but also possess sharp instincts similar to intelligence operations. Their preservation deserves serious attention.”