The daylong Bird Fair-2020 was held on Friday (January 24) on the campus of Jahangirnagar University (JU). A large number of bird-loving people thronged the fair on JU campus to witness the beauty of migratory birds.
JU Vice-Chancellor Prof Farzana Islam inaugurated the fair as the chief guest by releasing balloons, as for the 20th time the fair is held on the campus. JU Zoology department in collaboration with Wild Life Rescue Centre, Bangladesh Bird Club, and ‘Arannak’ Foundation, ‘Prokiti O Jibon’ Foundation, Chanel 24, IUCN, and Forest Department of Bangladesh organized the fair on the Zahir Raihan auditorium premises of the university intending to raise mass awareness about preserving birds. The fair was abuzz with fanfare and festivity as families with children, college and university students and professionals engaged in daylong activities.
Addressing the inaugural session the VC said, “We want to introduce birds to children. So that they could learn about birds and other wild animals, They have an indispensable role in the ecosystem of the environment as they protect the ecological balance. Therefore, we should protect birds as well as other wild animals. If we want a bird-friendly environment, we all have to work together for the conservation of birds.” Thanking the organizers, she urged all to come forward for conserving birds in the environment and expected such events will continue every year.
Presided over by convener of JU Zoology Department Prof Kamrul Hasan, eminent ornithologist Dr. Enam Al Haque, founder of Birds Club of Bangladesh, and Rakibul Amin, country representative of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), addressed the function as special guests, among others. A total of seven researchers and media reporters were awarded in different categories for the contribution in bird conservation this year.
JU Vice-Chancellor Prof Farzana Islam handed over the awards to the winners at the inaugural session. The daylong event included inter-university bird identification competition, stall decoration competition, debate competition on conserving birds, and children’s painting competition. Students of different schools, colleges and universities took part in respective events at the fair. Meanwhile, thousands of visitors were amused by witnessing birds on the campus.
“I have visited lake areas of the campus to see migratory birds. It was a mesmerizing view while birds hover on the sky. For the first time, I came here to enjoy the bird fair. I am very happy to be here”, said Arifur Rahman, an official of a private company who came with his family to enjoy this fair.