The 23rd Bird Fair of Jahangirnagar University took place on Friday, January 3, 2025, with the goal of raising public awareness about bird conservation. The event was inaugurated at 10 a.m. in front of the university’s Zahir Raihan Auditorium, where Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Kamrul Ahsan launched the fair by releasing balloons.

In his opening speech, Dr. Ahsan highlighted the significance of the Bird Fair as one of the university’s most cherished events, bringing together people of all backgrounds. He thanked organizers and participants for their efforts and contributions to the event. Addressing environmental concerns, he noted that the construction of visible infrastructure in places like Sajek has displaced indigenous communities and other species. Similarly, infrastructure development at Jahangirnagar University has impacted bird habitats. Dr. Ahsan called for collective awareness and action to ensure the safety of migratory bird habitats on campus, emphasizing the importance of balancing human needs with wildlife conservation.

Other notable attendees included Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Sohel Ahmed, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Biological Sciences Professor Mohammad Mafruhi Sattar, Proctor Professor Dr. A.K.M. Rashidul Alam, Chief Conservator of Forests Md. Amir Hossain Chowdhury, and Mukit Majumder Babu, Chairman of the Prakriti o Jibon Foundation. Representatives from IUCN Bangladesh, Arannayk Foundation, and the Bird Club also participated. Professor Dr. Kamrul Hasan, the convenor of the Bird Fair, gave the welcome address, while Professor Dr. Mansurul Haque, Chair of the Department of Zoology, delivered the closing remarks.

The event featured several awards, including the Big Bird Bangladesh Award, Scientific Publication Award, Conservation Media Award, and Special Recognition Award 2025. Throughout the day, activities such as birdwatching, drawing competitions for children, quizzes, book and poster exhibitions, discussions, and competitions on bird identification and knowledge engaged participants of all ages.