Photo: BSS

KHULNA, Aug 27, 2026 (BSS) - The Noyabati Bird Market in Khulna's Khalishpur area comes alive every Friday with the chirping of colourful birds as hobby breeders, traders and bird enthusiasts gather to buy and sell a wide variety of birds and other pets.

Located at Noyabati intersection, the weekly marketplace is considered one of the largest bird markets in the region. Besides birds, the market offers pigeons, ducks, chickens, rabbits, cats and aquarium fish, along with cages, feeds, medicines, water pots and other accessories.

The market, which operates from morning until noon, was established gradually by bird traders and enthusiasts without administrative support. As a result, traders do not have to pay any fees or tolls to conduct business there.

With a history of nearly two decades, the market has become a popular destination for buyers and sellers from Khulna and neighbouring districts. Every Friday, hundreds of visitors, including families with children, gather there, giving the area a festive atmosphere.

A major attraction is the wide variety of pigeons available at the market. Popular breeds include Soya Chandan, Lakha, Siraji, King, Jacobin and Golden Sweet. Visitors can also find Mynah, Dove, Parrot, Starling, Turkey, Quail, Budgerigar, Cockatiel, Lovebird and Prince, among other local and exotic species.

Shamim Hossain, a regular trader from Mohammadnagar under Batiaghata upazila, brought six pairs of Lakha and Jacobin pigeons to the market last Friday.

He said the market provides buyers and sellers with a hassle-free environment where transactions can be completed freely and at reasonable prices.

Hasinur Rahman of Fultala, who has been involved in the business for nine years, said there was no other bird market of such a scale in the region.

"Every Friday, I bring different varieties of pigeons, pet birds and cages, and the response from buyers is overwhelming," he said.

Many visitors come with their children for recreation and to introduce them to different bird species.

Jahirul Farazi, a banker from Jashore, visited the market with his school-going son Anwar to see its collection of birds.

"We found a range of pigeons, including Lakha, Siraji, Homer, House Pouter, King Pouter, Ball Pigeon, Pencil Pouter, Lahori, Short Peach, Fillback, Russian Vogla Damla and Racer Homer," he said.

Prices range from around Tk 500 to more than Tk 100,000, offering options for buyers with different budgets.

Bashab Nandi, a pigeon trader from Jashore, initially started raising pigeons as a hobby before turning it into a full-time business. He has been visiting the market regularly for the past five years to collect new breeds, saying its wide selection and relatively affordable prices make it an important trading centre.

The market also attracts young hobby breeders. Rashedul Islam, an eighth-grade student, came with five pairs of quails to sell and planned to buy a new cage for his pet birds.

"Cage prices are higher in shops, so I prefer coming here for both buying and selling," he said.

The weekly market is also benefiting other local businesses.

Abdus Sobhan, a tea vendor in Khalishpur, said his earnings almost double on Fridays because of the large number of visitors.

"Usually, I earn around Tk 800-900 a day, but on Friday, it rises to about Tk 1,500," he said.

Bird sellers also said the market has become an important source of income for many people.

Jahangir Hossain said he has been making profits by selling birds at the weekly market, while another seller, Md Raihan, said income from bird trading has helped him support his family.

The growing popularity of the market has also enabled sellers to receive orders from buyers living outside Khulna.

Buyers expressed satisfaction with the variety and prices of birds available there.

Local residents said the weekly market has boosted business at nearby tea stalls, grocery shops and other small establishments, creating additional livelihood opportunities.

Councilor (In-Charge) of Khulna City Corporation's Ward No. 10 Md Mustafizur Rahman described the market as one of the largest bird markets in the Khulna division.

He said buyers and sellers from different parts of Khulna and neighbouring areas gather there every Friday, creating a vibrant atmosphere in the locality.

"The market is also helping tea shops, grocery stores and many other small businesses earn their livelihoods," he said, stressing the need for government patronage to develop and expand the market.

City dwellers said hobby bird farming is creating alternative income opportunities for enthusiasts while also contributing to the local economy. They believe the market could grow further if adequate facilities and government support are provided.