Photo : BSS

JAHANGIRNAGAR UNIVERSITY, Dec 5, 2025 (BSS) -Jahangirnagar University burst into colour today as it hosted the 15th Butterfly Fair 2025, celebrating the theme "When butterflies fly, nature gains new momentum." The event featured vibrant activities aimed at boosting public awareness about butterfly conservation and highlighting the importance of biodiversity.

JU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan inaugurated the fair at 10:00 am in front of the Zahir Raihan Auditorium as the chief guest. The programme was chaired by Chairman of the Zoology Department Prof Dr Md Mansurul Haque.

Speaking at the inaugural session, the JU VC said, "We must treat all living creatures, including butterflies, with compassion and proper care. As humans, we have numerous responsibilities, and these creatures are dependent on us." 

He emphasised the moral duty of conserving wildlife and urged the use of sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to pesticides to protect biodiversity. 

"We need to uphold human values and societal harmony to prevent social deterioration," he added.

Professor Dr Monowar Hossain, convener of the fair, said, "The Butterfly Fair has long been part of JU's cultural identity, and the event will continue in the future to cultivate a love of nature among the younger generation."

JU Pro-VC (Academic) Prof Dr Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman, Pro-VC (Administration) Prof Dr Sohel Ahmed, Treasurer Prof Dr Md Abdur Rab, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Biological Sciences Prof Mafruhi Sattar, Kazi Rajiuddin Ahmed Chopal, Director of Mousumi Industries, Deputy Managing Director of Southeast Bank PLC Masum Uddin Khan, Chief Conservator of Forests of Bangladesh Forest Department Amir Hossain Chowdhury, and IUCN Bangladesh Country Director and former Chief Conservator of Forests of Bangladesh Forest Department Istiaq Ahmed, JUCSU Vice President Abdur Rashid Zitu, GS Mazharul Islam were spoke among others.

This year, eminent wildlife expert Dr Ali Reza Khan was awarded the Butterfly Award 2025 for his outstanding contribution to environmental conservation.

The Butterfly Young Enthusiast Award 2025 was presented to JU former students Nure Afsary and Shahariar Rabbi Tanmoy for their research and enthusiasm in butterfly studies. In the photography competition, winners included Syed Abbas, Mahmudul Bari, and Prince Pal Joy.

The day-long fair featured a wide range of activities, including a rally, puppet show, origami session, drawing and quiz competitions for children, butterfly photography exhibition and contest, kite flying, debate competition, documentary screening and a butterfly identification contest.

An open garden showcasing butterfly-friendly plants, live butterflies and breeding sites was remained accessible throughout the day at the Butterfly Park and Research Centre.

This year's title sponsor of the fair is 'Cute', while supporting partners include Prokriti O Jibon Foundation, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Arannayk Foundation and the Bangladesh Forest Department. 

Channel i and Radio Bhumi have joined as media partners.