In Patuakhali, a schoolteacher sets aside 33% of his land for birds

In Musulliyabad village under Baliatali union in Kalapara, Patuakhali, the house of a schoolteacher has received a rare recognition.

A signboard declaring the house a “Colony of Native and Migratory Birds” was unveiled yesterday around 5:00 pm, formally honouring schoolteacher Akhteruzzaman’s decades-long devotion to protecting and nurturing birds.

The house, now renamed “Bihanga Bilash”, has become a haven where birds of many species find shelter and sustenance.

Kalapara Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Yasin Sadiq, representing the local administration, formally declared the home a bird sanctuary.

The event was attended by Officer-in-Charge of Payra Port River Police Nayan Karkun and members of Animal Lovers of Patuakhali, an animal rights and welfare group, who have long supported the teacher’s efforts.

Assistant Commissioner (Land) Yasin highlighted the teacher’s unwavering commitment.

“Akhteruzzaman has taken sincere initiatives to ensure a safe habitat for migratory and other birds,” he said.

“He developed a banana farm on 33 decimals of land solely to provide food for birds,” he added.

The initiative first came to broader attention through media reports, leading Yasin Sadiq to inform the deputy commissioner.

“He then instructed us to install a signboard here,” Yasin added.

He also noted the wider potential -- Kalapara, already a popular tourist destination, may now see visitors drawn to the sanctuary.

“Such initiatives encourage kindness towards birds and other animals and may open a new horizon for tourism,” he said.

Speaking to The Daily Star, Akhteruzzaman’s said, “The birds have now become part of our family. Most of them collect their food from nature. Even so, I have set aside 33 percent of my land to create a banana farm specifically for the birds. The fruits are meant only for them. Now the villagers have also become very caring toward the birds.”

“At times, many injured birds come to our house. We provide them with treatment. All members of our family always keep watch to ensure the birds’ safety,” he added.

“Because of the droppings of countless birds, there is some odour around the house. We regularly spray disinfectant and air freshener to manage it. Still, we have developed a deep affection for the birds. I hope everyone will come forward to help protect birds, which play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance,” he further said.

For nearly 40 years, Akhteruzzaman has hosted generations of birds, their presence filling the air with a chorus of chirps and calls. White egrets, cormorants, bats, and other species find refuge here, making the house and the farm a lively theatre of nature’s rhythms.

The story of this unique habitat first appeared in The Daily Star on October 1 last year, prompting the administration to formalise the recognition.