On 9 May 2015, Bangladesh Forest Department celebrated World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) with a great interest in Moulovibazar district of Sylhet Division – one of the most important places for migratory waterbirds. The theme “Save migratory birds and the places they need” highlighted the importance of deploying energy technologies in a way that minimizes impacts on migratory waterbirds and their habitats.

The program started with a colorful rally from Shahid minar to District Commissioner office. Participants from many disciplines came to the rally with signs, posters, banners and flower festoons.

©Wildlife & Nature Conservation Circle

After a successful rally, a discussion was held in the District Commissioner office’s auditorium. The District Commissioner presided the meeting where the Deputy Chief Conservator of Forest was the chief guest and the Country Representative of IUCN Bangladesh was the special guest. Three local administration representatives were also present as special guests. Local people, students, journalist and others participated in the meeting. The guests and forest officials gave talks about migratory waterbirds to raise awareness among local people.

Later, during a photo exhibition stakeholders and school children learned about migratory waterbirds and why it is necessary to conserve them. 7000 posters bearing the WMBD message were printed and distributed throughout the country especially to communities near migratory waterbird habitats.