Kalapara of Patuakhali: Schoolteacher’s home declared a bird haven

In Musulliyabad village under Kalapara upazila of Patuakhali, the house of a schoolteacher has been declared a bird haven.

A signboard declaring the house a “Colony of Native and Migratory Birds” was unveiled on Thursday afternoon, formally acknowledging and honouring schoolteacher Akhteruzzaman’s decades-long devotion to protecting and nurturing birds.

The house, now renamed “Bihanga Bilash”, has long been a haven where many avian species found shelter and sustenance.

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For nearly 40 years, Akhteruzzaman has hosted generations of birds, with their presence filling the air with a chorus of chirps and calls. White egrets, cormorants, and several other species, as well as bats find refuge here, making his house and adjoining banana plantation a lively theatre of nature’s rhythms.

The story of this unique habitat first appeared in The Daily Star on October 1 last year, prompting the administration to formalise the recognition.

Yasin Sadiq, assistant commissioner (Land) in Kalapara, represented the local administration and formally declared the home a bird sanctuary. Officer-in-Charge of Payra Port River Police Nayan Karkun, and members of Animal Lovers of Patuakhali, an animal rights and welfare group, who have long supported the teacher’s efforts, were present.

Highlighting the teacher’s unwavering commitment, Yasin said, “Akhteruzzaman has taken sincere initiatives to ensure a safe habitat for migratory and other birds, and raised a banana plantation on 33 decimals of land solely to provide food for birds.”

Akhteruzzaman’s initiative first came to attention through media reports, leading Yasin Sadiq to inform the Patuakhali deputy commissioner.

“He then instructed us to install a signboard here,” Yasin added.

He also noted that Kalapara, already a popular tourist destination, may now see visitors drawn to the sanctuary.

“Such initiatives encourage kindness towards birds and other animals and may open a new horizon for tourism,” he added.

Talking to this correspondent, Akhteruzzaman’s said, “The birds have now become part of our family. Most of them collect their food from nature. Even so, I have set aside 33 decimal of my land to grow a banana plantation specifically for the birds. The fruits are meant only for them. Now the villagers have also become very caring toward the birds.”

“At times, many injured birds come to our house. We provide them with treatment. All members of our family keep watch to ensure the birds’ safety,” he also said.

“I hope everyone will come forward to help protect birds, which play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance,” Akhteruzzaman added.