Jahangirnagar University (JU) yesterday hosted its one-day Bird Fair 2014 with a view to raising awareness of bird conservation.
Organised by the university’s Zoology department, the fair was attended by hundreds of bird lovers from across the country, who thronged on the campus during the morning, watching migratory birds.
JU acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. MA Matin, inaugurated the programme in front of the Zahir Raihan auditorium, while additional secretary of the Environment and Forest ministry Dr Arup Chowdhury presided over the programme.
“About 11 percent of the different species of birds are now on the verge of extinction, due to rampant deforestation and environmental pollution. We can raise awareness through such fairs so that people will be encouraged to protect birds,” said Prof MA Matin during the inauguration.
Additional Secretary Dr Arup Chowdhury said that government had passed the ‘Wildlife Conservation Act-2012’ to conserve wildlife, forests and the ecosystem.
Dr Arup also thanked the Zoology Department for arranging the fair, adding that people have started loving birds through because of the combined efforts of the government, media and Jahangirnagar University.
Chief Forest Conservator Dr Topon Kumar De, read a keynote paper at the programme.
Meanwhile, a drawing competition, a quiz competition, a bird literature exhibition, displays of different preserved species, and a debating competition were also held during the fair.
Bangladesh Bird Club President Enam-ul Haque, Aranyak Foundation Executive Director Farid Uddin Ahmed, Convener of the fair Prof. Dr Mustafa Firoz, and Zoology Department Chairperson Prof. Dr Sazeda Begum were present at the inauguration programme.
