DHAKA, Dec 20, 2025 (BSS) - BNP-nominated candidate for Dhaka-6 constituency Engineer Ishraque Hossain today said the party is fully prepared to welcome BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman upon his return to the country. "People will spontaneously take part in the programme to welcome Tarique Rahman. Party leaders and activists will gather to receive him. We are fully ready, and his homecoming will be a historic event," he said. Ishraque was addressing a preparatory meeting on Tarique Rahman's homecoming held at the Sadek Hossen Khoka Community Centre in the capital's Gopibag area. Expressing concern over security, he said there are reports about the movement of marked Awami League terrorists who have been released on bail, which is as alarming. "The Awami League has not changed its approach to dealing with the opposition and is still resorting to violence as a means of political confrontation," he alleged. Ishrak also condemned the attacks on media. Regarding the upcoming national election, he stressed the need for strong coordination and effective management within the party. BNP senior leaders, including Mirza Abbas and Habibur Rashid Habib, along with party activists, were present at the meeting.

RAJSHAHI, Dec 20, 2025 (BSS)- Experts at a workshop here today unequivocally called for taking immediate measures to protect the migratory birds and their habitats from pollution.     They also stressed the importance of strengthening existing laws against bird hunting and poaching, and increasing the involvement of local administration to catch poachers.  Nature & Biodiversity Conservation Forum (NBCF) organized the workshop titled “Way Forward for Biodiversity Conservation” at Christian Mission Hospital conference hall in the city. The event focuses on how urban and rural areas can become better habitats for migratory birds by taking actions like improving city planning, reducing pollution, and minimizing threats such as collisions and light pollution. The goal is to foster coexistence where both people and birds can thrive together in shared environments. Retired Professor Bidhan Chandra Das from the Department of Zoology at Rajshahi University (RU) and Prof Jalal Uddin Sarder from the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at RU addressed the meeting as resource persons disseminating their expertise on the issue. Director of Bangladesh Betar Hassan Akhter, NBCF General Secretary Engineer Junayed Ahmed and Chief Executive Officer of Mission Hospital Prodip Chand Mondal also spoke. NBCF President Prof BK Dam presided over the discussion. Discussions highlighted the crucial role migratory birds play in natural balance, such as insect and seed dispersal, nutrient cycling, and pollination.  There is a strong call for creating safe havens and gardens with adequate security to ensure the survival and breeding of migratory birds.  Professor Bidhan Chandra Das called for highlighting the impact of light and plastic pollution on migratory birds and their habitats; and protecting nature and natural resources through adopting time-befitting and effective measures for conservation of biodiversity. He underlined the need for creating gardens with adequate protection and security for migratory birds to ensure their safe living and breeding.  In his remarks, Prof Jalal Uddin Sarder said that out of about 710 species of birds including resident and migratory birds in Bangladesh, 650 species of birds have been included in the schedule of Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act. The Birds which migrate from one place to another during a certain time of the year are known as migratory birds. These creatures play a significant role in maintaining ecological equilibrium. Earlier, the experts distributed leaflets at T-groin and Srirampur area for resisting bird hunting through creating awareness among the public in general.