DU Correspondent 

The 24th National Conference of the Zoological Society of Bangladesh and its Annual General Meeting was held on  Friday at the Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building, jointly organized by the Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka, and the Zoological Society of Bangladesh. 

The inaugural session of the conference was presided over by Prof Dr. Mamun Ahmed, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) of the University of Dhaka.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, was present as the chief guest. This year’s conference theme was “Protecting Biodiversity from Pollution: Bridging Solutions for a Healthier Planet.”

Dean of the Faculty of Biological Sciences Prof  Dr. Md. Enamul Haque and President of the Zoological Society of Bangladesh Professor Dr. Hamida Khanam addressed the inaugural session as special guests. Prof  Dr. Abdus Salam, Dean of the Faculty of Science, University of Dhaka, presented the keynote paper. Md. Zahidul Kabir, Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests, Bangladesh Forest Department, took part in the discussion on the keynote paper. Professor Dr. Shefali Begum, Chairperson of the Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka, delivered the welcome speech.

Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Prof  Dr. Mamun Ahmed remarked that biodiversity and the natural balance are increasingly being damaged due to pollution, putting humanity at risk. Health complications are rising as a result. He stressed the need for integrated efforts from teachers, students, researchers, policymakers, and all concerned to overcome this situation. He emphasized the importance of organizing such conferences, discussions, and joint research activities to raise public awareness.

Chief guest Syeda Rizwana Hasan highlighted various government initiatives in environmental conservation. She stated that several actions have already been implemented to raise awareness about environmental protection and pollution prevention, stop harmful tree felling, promote eco-friendly tree planting, and reclaim encroached forests and rivers. A special project has been undertaken to clean up four rivers in Dhaka. Plans are also in place to restore many lost rivers across the country. She noted that the youth are a major source of hope and urged them to come forward in conserving the environment and protecting biodiversity by mobilizing society.

Winners of the 11th Zoology Olympiad were awarded at the conference. At the undergraduate level, Humaira Habiba from the University of Dhaka became the champion, and Angel Saha Chhoa from the University of Chittagong was the runner-up. At the college level, Sadeniman Ahmed Ifaz from Notre Dame College was the champion, and Halima Akter Diba from MC College, Sylhet, was the runner-up.

It is mentioned  that the conference featured one plenary session and four scientific sessions. Academics, researchers, students, and professionals from home and abroad participated in the event.