Looking out for avian friends

A group of youths have started setting up nests for birds at Masua village in Kishoreganj's Katiadi upazila. This initiative is the first of its kind in the district.

The youths under the forum "Manobik Masua" began their humanitarian work last Eid by distributing essentials among 40 families in need, said Afjal Hossain, a member of the forum. "We created this forum so people could come together irrespective of political, religious identities."

Masua is just five kilometres away from Katiadi upazila headquarters.

The youth forum has primarily set up 40 nests at the historic houses of then Masua zamindars. Legendary children's author Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury was born to the zamindar family of Masua, and the historic houses are the ancestral homes of Sukumar Ray and Satyajit Ray.

"We will set up 200 more nests in the next two months," said Afjal.

"Birds of many species used to live in this area. But indiscriminate felling of trees and spread of human habitat and infrastructure has greatly harmed the biodiversity of this beautiful village," said forum member Delwar Hossain Roman, an MBA student.

Every nest costs Tk 200, and the 40 members of the forum bear the cost, said Probal Kumar Bhowmik, another member.

This initiative was inaugurated on Friday by Masua High School Principal Taposh Kumar Roy and Masua Eidgah Imam Maulana Abu Jafor Saleh.

The administration and green activists of the area affirmed their support for the initiative. They said this step by the forum will help young people realise their duty to the society and environment.