A drawing competition and discussion meeting were held in Taltoli to celebrate Sundarbans Day with the theme "Sundarbans is my mother, I will not let it be destroyed."

The competition took place on Friday, February 14, at 10 AM at Taltoli Government Model Secondary School. It was jointly organized by Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra (Dhora), Waterkeepers Bangladesh, the Payra Hilsa Protection Committee, and Taltoli Charukala Academy. More than fifty students from various educational institutions participated.

The competition's theme was "Sundarbans." Participants were divided into two groups:

• Group ‘A’ (Grades 1-3):

  • 1st Place: Mahmudha Akter Ema (Sunrise Kindergarten, Grade 2)
  • 2nd Place: Humayra (Sunrise Kindergarten, Grade 2)
  • 3rd Place: Faiza Anjum Opi (Taltoli Charukala Academy, Grade 5)

• Group ‘B’ (Grades 4-7):

  • 1st Place: Tabassum Islam (Taltoli Government Model Secondary School, Grade 7)
  • 2nd Place: Adani (Choto Bhaijora Government Primary School, Grade 5)
  • 3rd Place: Oishi Moni (Sunrise Kindergarten, Grade 3)

The discussion meeting was attended by prominent guests, including:

• Speakers:

  • M. A. Halim, Lecturer, History Department, Taltoli Government College
  • Jasim Uddin, Assistant Teacher, Taltoli Government Model Secondary School
  • Rafiqul Islam Antor, Director, Taltoli Charukala Academy
  • Saidur Rahman Khokon, Joint General Secretary, Barisal Divisional Association, Chattogram
  • Arif Rahman, Coordinator, Dhora (Taltoli-Amtali)

• Other attendees:

  • Md. Anik Mia, Lecturer, Botany Department, Amtali Government College
  • Md. Hairoj Majhi, President, Journalists’ Forum
  • Journalist and environmental activist Mostafiz
  • Teacher Abdur Rahim
  • Environmental and development activist M. Milon
  • Charukala Academy assistants Lamia and Siam Ahmed

During the discussion, speakers emphasized that February 14 is celebrated as Valentine’s Day, and true love should include love for the Sundarbans. They stressed that if the Sundarbans do not survive, it will be difficult for Bangladesh to sustain itself.

They also highlighted that the Sundarbans is a national treasure that protects Bangladesh like a mother, shielding it from cyclones and natural disasters. Raising awareness about its importance among the next generation was a key reason for organizing the drawing competition.

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