17th “Save The Frogs Day 2025” at Dhaka University
In observance of the 17th “Save The Frogs Day,” the Department of Zoology at the University of Dhaka organized a special awareness program featuring discussions and various student competitions on 28th April. The globally recognized day, observed annually in the last week of April, aims to raise awareness and encourage conservation efforts for frogs and other amphibians, which serve as key indicators of environmental health and play a crucial role in the ecosystem.
The event featured Professor Dr. Md. Enamul Haque, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Biological Sciences, as the chief guest. Special guests included Mr. Md. Sanaullah Patwary from the Wildlife and Nature Conservation Division of the Forest Department, and Mr. A. B. M. Sarwar Alam, Programme Manager at IUCN Bangladesh. Keynote speeches on frog conservation were delivered by Professor Dr. Mohammad Firoj Jaman and Professor Dr. Aleya Begum.
Distinguished discussants included Dr. Hamida Khanom, President of the Zoological Society of Bangladesh; Dr. Niamul Naser, Convener of Dhaka University Nature Conservation Club (DUNCC); Dr. Md. Sagir Ahmed, General Secretary of the Zoological Society of Bangladesh and Director General of the National Institute of Biotechnology; and Mr. Ashikur Rahman Shome, Assistant Personal Secretary at the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Ministry of Water Resources. The program was presided over by Professor Dr. Shefali Begum, Chairperson of the Department of Zoology.
The Zoology Department has been hosting this event since 2016, with support from the international organization SAVE THE FROGS! in educational and awareness initiatives led by Lecturer Md. Fazle Rabbe.
As part of the day-long celebration, the department organized several competitions to promote frog conservation and awareness. Events included a frog-themed photography contest, poster design competition, quiz, and a “Speed Talk on Frogs in My Campus.” Students from universities across the country participated enthusiastically.
Winners of the competitions:
- Photography Contest:
1st: Ujjal Das (University of Dhaka)
2nd: Sajid Al Rafi (Central Medical College, Cumilla)
3rd: Partha Dey (National University) - Poster Design Contest:
1st: Momena Rahman (University of Dhaka)
2nd: Muniha Rahman Tanmoy (Jagannath University)
3rd: Takia Raisa (University of Dhaka) - Quiz Competition: Joy Chakraborty (University of Dhaka)
- Speed Talk: Md. Mehedi Hasan Tarek (University of Dhaka)
- Project Concept Note Winner (Frog Research): Md. Mehedi Hasan Tarek received a grant of BDT 10,000 for a project studying the impact of pesticides on tadpole development.
In addition, Shahriar Anirban, Senior Broadcast Journalist of Independent Television, was honored with the Messenger of Nature Award for his contributions to wildlife and environmental journalism.
The event successfully raised awareness among students about amphibian conservation and emphasized the need to involve youth in protecting biodiversity and the environment. Guests and speakers alike stressed that preserving natural ecosystems is only possible through collective action.
Md. Fazle Rabbe
Coordinator, Save The Frogs Day 2025
Lecturer, Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka