Shahariar Islam Sovon :
Every Friday, Kaptan Bazar in the heart of Dhaka transforms into a haven for bird lovers as it hosts one of the city’s most unique markets — the exclusive pet bird market.
This vibrant marketplace attracts a diverse crowd of bird enthusiasts, collectors, and breeders, drawn not only from the capital but from various parts of Bangladesh. The atmosphere is electric, as buyers and sellers alike gather to exchange not just birds but a shared passion for these winged creatures.
The pet bird market at Kaptan Bazar has grown significantly in recent years, solidifying its reputation as the go-to destination for bird lovers.
It offers an eclectic mix of bird species, ranging from the common and affordable to the rare and exotic. Enthusiasts can find a wide array of pigeons, budgerigars, parrots, and canaries, as well as more exotic species like macaws, cockatoos, and finches. This variety caters to both amateur bird keepers and seasoned collectors.
This market is not just about buying and selling birds; it’s a cultural experience where bird lovers meet to share knowledge, tips, and experiences. According to seasoned buyers, the real appeal of Kaptan Bazar is its diversity of offerings. Many of the vendors are long-time breeders, who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the market. Ashraf Hossain, a pigeon breeder from Comilla, travels to Dhaka every Friday to sell his prized birds.
“This market is unlike any other in Bangladesh. You can find birds here that are difficult to find elsewhere, and the community here is passionate,” he says. Apart from pigeons, which are a particular favorite, the market is filled with other species, such as parrots, finches, and mynah birds. Each vendor has a story to tell about their birds, often explaining the species’ background, health conditions, and ideal care.
Visitors also come to the market in search of unique bird species to start their own breeding ventures. Jamal Uddin, a regular buyer from Narayanganj, is one such enthusiast who has built a thriving pigeon-breeding business based on birds he bought from Kaptan Bazar over the years.