JU Correspondent :
The Zahir Raihan Auditorium premises at Jahangirnagar University (JU) turned into a vibrant hub on Friday as the Department of Zoology hosted a daylong Butterfly Fair, drawing nature enthusiasts, researchers, and children alike.
More than 35 species, including the Striped Pierrot, Blue Tiger, and Painted Lady, were showcased across the auditorium grounds, the JU Butterfly Park, and the Botanical Garden.
The event was sponsored by Cute under the theme “Urle Akashe Projapiti, Prokriti Paye Notun Goti”, combined live displays with photography, art competitions, quizzes, kite flying, and a butterfly identification contest while ‘Channel i’ and ‘Radio Bhumi’ have joined as media partners.
“I am really amazed at seeing the beautiful butterflies.It’s beautiful to see them all together l,” said Tawhida, a class five student Savar Cantonment Public School and College.
“I attend this event annually, as the array of butterfly species and the enchanting atmosphere always leave me amazed,” said Wahida Mallick to The New Nation at the fair.
Addressing the programme, convener Professor Monwar Hossain said, “The university had recorded 110 butterfly species in 2013, but the number has now fallen to 70.”
He attributed the decline to rapid urban development around the campus, which has destroyed many natural habitats.
This year’s Butterfly Award went to wildlife expert Dr Ali Reza Khan for his contributions to conservation. The Butterfly Young Enthusiast Award was jointly awarded to JU Zoology students Sabbir Ahmed Shahariar, Rabbi Tanmoy, and Nure Afsari.
JU vice-chancellor Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan considered the paradox of how humans interact with the natural world.
“Butterflies’ habitats are being destroyed by the same people that admire and admire them. Butterflies remind us of our responsibility to preserve nature, and every creature has the right to exist,” he said.
The fair, which ran from 10:00am to 4:00pm, drew enthusiastic participation from visitors of all ages.
Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof Dr Sohel Ahmed, Treasurer Prof Dr Md Abdur Rab, JU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Prof Dr Md Mahfuzur Rahman, Acting Dean of Biological Sciences Prof Mafruhi Sattar, Faculty, Officials, and JUCSU leaders were present among others.
Representatives from the ‘Prokriti O Jibon’ foundation, Mausumi Industries, Southeast Bank, the Forest Department and IUCN also attended the fair.
