Make vigorous campaign to put Sundarbans on wonder list
Call for steps to protect bio-diversity of world's largest mangrove forest
Locals and students bring out a procession at Mongla in Bagerhat district marking the Sundarbans Day yesterday.Photo: STAR
The ninth Sundarbans Day was observed in Khulna and several other districts of the southwestern region yesterday with a call for vigorous campaign so that the world's largest mangrove forest can win the final race to have its position on the list of seven natural wonders of the world. In Khulna, the day's programme included cultural function, documentary on Sundarbans, discussion meeting and prize distribution at Khulna Press Club organised by Sundarbans Academy, reports our staff correspondent. Addressing the discussion as the chief guest, KCC Mayor Talukder Abdul Khaleque stressed need for united efforts to conserve biodiversity of the Sundarbans. The mayor said he will try his best to involve the state machinery in the campaign for vote for the Sundarbans in the final race. Executive Director of Sundarbans Academy Prof Anwarul Kadir, Divisional Commissioner Md Eunusur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner NM Ziaul Alam, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Khulna University Prof Purnendu Gain, President of Khulna Divisional Press Club Federation and Editor of Dainik Purbanchal Alhaj Liakat Ali, Adviser of Sundarbanas Academy Swapan Guha, Editor of The Daily Tribune Begum Ferdousi Ali and poet Abu Bakar Siddique were present as special guests. Liakat Ali in his speech said the government should directly participate in the campaign for vote for the Sundarbans in the final race to be held in 2011. Later, eight journalists of both print and electronic media were awarded Sree Satish Chandra Mitra prizes for their write-ups, highlighting various aspects of the Sundarbans. They are Mamun Reza of Dainik Samokal, Rakibuddin Pannu of Ekushey TV, SM Habib of ATN Bangla, Taposh Kanti Das of The New Age, Rafiul Alam Tutul of Diganta TV, Alamgir Hannan of Dainik Purbanchal, Ranajit Barman of Dainik Patradut and Hedayet Hossain of Dainik Jugantar. In Patuakhali, a colorful procession was brought out in the town to mark the day. Society Development Agency (SDA), a local NGO, organised the programme. A discussion meeting was also held in the town. Chaired by SDA Director KM Enayet Hossain, it was addressed, among others, by Sadar upazila UNO and the divisional forest officer, according to our correspondent. In Bagerhat, Sundarban Dibash Udjapan Parishad organised a discussion at Bagerhat Sangskritik Foundation Auditorium in the afternoon. Colourful processions were brought out to celebrate the day in Bagerhat town and at Mongla, Morelganj and Sharankhola upazila headquarters.
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