From the start, the story of this goat was far from humble. In the lead-up to Eid-ul-Azha, social media buzzed with videos of a goat priced at Tk15 lakh.
Mohammed Imran Hossain, chairman of Sadeeq Agro Ltd, donned cowboy attire to market his cattle. His appeal was not just in his boots and hats or flashy remarks; he claimed his flagship goat had prestigious ancestry, justifying its hefty price tag.
He boasted that this was the biggest goat in Bangladesh, a claim that stirred nationwide debate. One could even say that after Mahatma Gandhi’s famous goat, this one held the second most significant place in the history of goats in Bangladesh.
The purchase
On May 31, Mushfiqur Rahman Ifat bought the goat from Sadeeq Agro’s Mohammadpur branch. Owner Imran referred to Ifat as a person close to him ("chhoto bhai") and mentioned that Ifat intended to gift the goat to his father.
The controversy
The high price of the goat sparked a social media frenzy. Imran defended his pricing in multiple interviews, stating he had sold the goat for Tk15 lakh and a Brahman cow for Tk1 crore. He also mentioned that the animal would be delivered next year but was vague about the goat's current whereabouts.
Soon, the identity of the buyer was revealed. Ifat was identified as the son of Matiur Rahman, a high-ranking government official, who was then president of the National Board of Revenue's Customs, Excise and VAT Appellate Tribunal.
Who is Ifat?
Initially, Matiur denied knowing Ifat, and Matiur’s daughter, Farzana Rahman Ipsita, also claimed on social media that she did not know Ifat. However, a screenshot of Ipsita commenting on one of Ifat's Instagram photos circulated online.
Later, Feni-2 lawmaker Nizam Uddin Hazari said on TV that Ifat was Matiur's son from his second marriage.
Ifat's lavish lifestyle, featuring luxury cars like the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Toyota Crown Majesta, Honda Civic and Toyota Premio, drew attention.
He also owned exotic birds, including grey parrots, sun conures and Amazon parrots, and claimed to spend Tk4-5 lakh monthly on their upkeep.
Ifat was a returning customer of Sadeeq Agro, having purchased two cattle from them the previous year.
Change of narrative
As questions about Ifat’s identity arose, Imran shifted his story, claiming the goat remained unsold and that Ifat had only paid a booking amount of Tk1 lakh without taking delivery.
According to Imran, the goat was supposed to be delivered on June 12, but Ifat was unreachable.
Ifat, in turn, accused Imran of staging a "drama" involving him. Imran denied the accusation, saying Ifat was not a celebrity that he would be part of a drama with.
Matiur under scrutiny
As the controversy unfolded, Matiur Rahman attracted public, media and official attention.
In a television interview, Matiur claimed he had made most of his money in the stock market. He mentioned investing in a company that he predicted would triple in value within a year, suggesting potential insider trading.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) had investigated him four times previously but had not taken effective action.
A fifth investigation began on June 4, just days before the goat scandal.
Reports indicated that Matiur and his family owned various properties, including bungalows, resorts and land.
On June 23, Matiur was removed from the NBR and Sonali Bank’s Board of Directors. A day later, a Dhaka court imposed a travel ban on him, his first wife and his son.
Imran’s silence
Imran, who had been vocal in the media, began avoiding interviews as the scandal escalated.
Sadeeq Agro officials also refused to comment or provide Imran's contact details.
The last Facebook post from Sadeeq Agro, dated June 24, announced the reopening of its Gulshan restaurant after the Eid holidays.
As of Friday morning, Sadeeq Agro's website was down.
Demolition
Amid the ongoing controversy, the DNCC demolished part of Sadeeq Agro on Thursday.
Although officials denied any connection to the goat scandal, the eviction drew significant media attention.
A Sadeeq Agro official, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested the eviction was part of a conspiracy by rival farmers.
Where is the goat?
The goat at the centre of the scandal emerged as an unexpected beneficiary.
Initially destined for sacrifice, the media attention granted it a reprieve.
The goat remained at Sadeeq Agro until the eviction. As DNCC officials announced the shed it was in was on government property, employees moved the goat to a nearby construction site. Later, a pickup truck from Sadeeq Agro relocated the goat to its other establishment.