Workshop on necessity of snakes, prevention of bite

Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Forum has organized a training workshop on snakebite prevention, treatment, snake rescue and release in Rajshahi to create awareness that snake does not mean only fear and it has an important role in maintaining the balance of nature as well as to give ideas on snakebite prevention and treatment.

This workshop was held at Shah Makhdum College in Rajshahi city around 11am on the occasion of International Snakebite Awareness Day under the organisation of Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Forum on Saturday (September 19).

Commissioner (DIG) of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Mohammad Fayezul Kabir was the chief guest in it. Founder dean of the Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences of Rajshahi University Professor Dr Jalal Uddin Sardar, principal of Shah Makhdum College SM Rezaul Islam and officer-in-charge (OC) of Boalia Model thana police Masuma Mustari were the special guests.

Wildlife inspector of Rajshahi of the Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Department Mo Jahangir Kabir and snake specialist and researcher Borhan Biswas Roman were present as trainers. Founder and general secretary of Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Forum engineer Junaed Ahmed presided over the workshop.

In the workshop discussions were held with pictures on the introduction and species of venomous and non-venomous snakes in Bangladesh, statistics of snakebite, when and why snakes bite humans, use and effectiveness of antivenom and what to do to prevent bites. Alongside the importance of rescuing and releasing snakes beneficial for the environment into nature instead of killing them was highlighted.

Hands-on training was also given in the training on snake rescue, handling and release into nature. At that time the trainers gave importance on their own safety, security and use of necessary equipment in snake rescue.