Today, World Rabies Day was observed in Khulna. Photo: BSS

KHULNA, Sept 28, 2025 (BSS) - World Rabies Day was observed in Khulna today with the theme “Eliminate Rabies: Collaborate, Vaccinate.”

The Divisional Livestock Department organized the programme, which began with a colorful rally, followed by a discussion meeting at the department’s conference hall.

Additional Divisional Commissioner Abu Shahed Md. Monjur Alam attended the meeting as the chief guest, while Divisional Livestock Director Dr. Md. Golam Haidar presided over the session. 

Divisional health director Dr. Md. Mujibur Rahman, deputy director (Public Health) Dr. A.B.M. Zakir Hossain, District artificial breeding center deputy director Dr. Swapan Kumar Roy, and Khulna City Corporation chief waste management officer and executive magistrate Kohinoor Jahan, among others, addressed the event.

District Livestock officer Dr. Md. Shariful Islam delivered the welcome speech while Dr. Peru Gopal Biswas presented the keynote paper on the topic. 

Veterinary Surgeon Dr. Sumona Tanzum Payel moderated the discussion, which also featured contributions from livestock officers and veterinarians from across the division.

Speakers highlighted that rabies is a fatal but preventable disease, stressing that awareness and vaccination are key to eliminating the threat.

As part of the programme, anti-rabies vaccines were administered to pet dogs and cats at the District Livestock Office near Power House Mor in the city.

Officials said the day was observed across all 10 districts of Khulna Division, with 9,150 rabies vaccines allocated. 

For the first time in Khulna, pet dogs and cats are being vaccinated free of charge.