A day-long bird fair is being held at Jahangirnagar University (JU) to raise public awareness of bird conservation.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Md Nurul Alam opened the fair on the Zahir Raihan Auditorium grounds at around 9.30am on Friday (19 January).

The fair was organised by the university's zoology department on the theme 'Birds are the nation's jewels; let us all take care of them'. This is the 23rd edition of the fair.

In his opening speech, Vice-Chancellor Professor Md Nurul Alam said the event is held every year to raise awareness of bird conservation. "We are trying to protect birds' habitats and foraging grounds. We are working to create an environment suitable for birds on the university's lakes. It is everyone's responsibility to keep this environment."

Professor Monirul H Khan, chairman of the zoology department, said the forest department or those working on birds cannot conserve birds alone unless the public becomes aware of the issue. People have already become quite aware. "Our event is not only about the birds of Jahangirnagar University; through it, we spread the message of bird conservation across the country."

This year's fair featured an inter-university birdwatching competition, a bird drawing competition for children, bird photography exhibitions, birdwatching for children with telescopes and binoculars, and a bird quiz competition.

Awards were also given for contributions to conserving birds and the environment. The 'Conservation Media Award' was given after reviewing reports on birds and biodiversity published in the media over the past year, and the 'Scientific Publication Award', the 'Big Bird Award' and the 'Special Recognition Award' after reviewing scientific journals and articles on the country's birds.

The co-organisers were the Bangladesh Bird Club, Wildlife Rescue Centre, Prokriti O Jibon Foundation, Arannayk Foundation, IUCN and the Bangladesh Forest Department.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.