'Rivers and Birds' Exhibition Reveal Bangladesh's Rich Ecological Diversity

Bangladesh ecological diversity came into focus through a photography exhibition titled "Rivers and Birds" at the Bangladesh National Museum in Dhaka. Featuring 170 photographs, the exhibition showcased the country's rivers, wetlands, bird species and natural landscapes while highlighting growing environmental challenges.

Organised by environmental organisation Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra (DHORA), the four-day exhibition opened on October 3 at the museum's Nalini Kanta Bhattashali Gallery. The collection included 44 river photographs by documentary photographer Abir Abdullah and 126 bird photographs by wildlife photographer Ansar Uddin Khan Pathan.

Abdullah's photographs captured Bangladesh's river landscapes, traditional sailing boats and the lives of communities dependent on waterways. His work also highlighted environmental problems such as river erosion, flooding and displacement. Photographs of the Naf River reflected its humanitarian significance as a route used by Rohingya refugees fleeing Myanmar.

Meanwhile, Pathan's wildlife photography presented several bird species, including the red avadavat, white-throated kingfisher and white-breasted waterhen. His photographs highlighted the country's rich birdlife and the importance of protecting wetlands and riverbanks that provide essential habitats for wildlife.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Shaikh Faridul Islam, State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. An accompanying discussion at the museum's Kabi Sufia Kamal Auditorium brought together environmental organisations, river conservation advocates and ornithologists, including Bangladesh Bird Club founder Enam Ul Haque.

A major message of the exhibition was the close relationship between healthy rivers, wetlands and wildlife. Pollution, habitat destruction and encroachment threaten these ecosystems and the species that depend on them. The exhibition concluded on October 6, encouraging greater public awareness and responsibility towards protecting Bangladesh's natural heritage.