World Bee Day celebrated in Shyamnagar to promote bee conservation, environmental protection
Ranjit Barman, Shyamnagar (Satkhira)
In observance of World Bee Day, a rally and discussion meeting were held in Burigoalini Union, adjacent to the Sundarbans in Shyamnagar Upazila, coastal Satkhira on Tuesday.
Beekeepers, honey collectors, women, children, youth, homemakers, environmental activists, and social workers participated enthusiastically.
World Bee Day is celebrated annually on May 20 to raise public awareness about the importance of bees and other pollinators. Supported by the NGO BARSIC, the event was organized by the Sundarban Student Solidarity Team, Sabuj Songhoti, and the Forest-Dwelling Women’s Development Organization, drawing a great response from the local community. The discussion was chaired by Shefali Bibi, president of the Forest-Dwelling Women’s Development Organization. Ramkrishna Joardar, regional coordinator of BARSIC, spoke about the challenges and opportunities in beekeeping. He noted that women and homemakers in coastal areas are increasingly interested in developing beekeeping as a source of family income.
Local forest dweller Md. Shafed Ali emphasized the vital role of bees in maintaining the natural balance of the Sundarbans and called for an end to indiscriminate deforestation and pesticide use. Other speakers highlighted that beekeeping and honey harvesting are traditional livelihoods in this Sundarbans-adjacent region. They stressed the environmental significance of bees and their crucial roles in honey production and pollination. At the same time, they urged adopting modern beekeeping methods and raising awareness about preserving the natural environment.
The discussion was moderated by BARSIC program officer Bishwajit Mondal and attended by BARSIC officials Bidhan Madhu, Maruf Hossain Milon, Champa Mallik, Abul Kalam Azad, Barsha Gain, Monika Paik, Protima Chakraborty; youth organizer S.M. Osman Gani Sohag; and member of the Upazila Youth Volunteer Coordination Committee Md. Shamim Hossain, among others. At the conclusion of the meeting, participants pledged to work jointly for bee conservation and environmental protection and displayed placards affirming their commitment.
Photo: World Bee Day celebrated in the coastal region of West Sundarbans.
