JU Vice-Chancellor Prof Farzana Islam inaugurated the fair by releasing balloons at 10:30am.

Students, professionals and families with children engaged in daylong activities and enjoyed the fair.

Addressing the inaugural session, the JU VC said: “We want to introduce birds to children as they can learn what a bird does in nature.”

Birds and other wild animals have an indispensable role in the ecosystem as they protect the ecological balance, the VC said, adding that we should protect birds as well as other wild animals.

Prof Dr Md Kamrul Hasan of JU zoology department, also the convener of the fair, said it was arranged on the premises of Zahir Raihan Auditorium on the campus to raise awareness among people about preserving birds.

Eminent ornithologist Dr Enam Al Haque, founder of Birds Club of Bangladesh, and Rakibul Amin, country representative of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), addressed the function as special guests, among others.

A total of seven researchers and media reporters were awarded in different categories for their contribution to bird conservation this year.

JU VC handed over the awards to the winners at the inaugural session.

Zoology department of JU, Wildlife Rescue Centre, Bangladesh Bird Club, Arannayk Foundation, Prokriti O Jibon Foundation, Chhanel 24, IUCN and the Forest Department jointly organised the 20th fair on the campus.

The daylong fair featured inter-university bird identification competition, photography exhibition on birds, painting competition for children, bird watching through telescope, stall decoration competition (photographs of birds and display of newspapers), quiz competition and awards ceremony.