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With the theme “Let’s Celebrate the Power of Dairy,” the Faculty of Veterinary Science at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) marked World Milk Day 2025 for the first time, promoting awareness on safe and sustainable dairy practices.
The celebration, held on Sunday, featured a range of events including a student poster presentation competition, a rally, milk distribution among children, and a seminar.
The initiative aimed to underscore the importance of milk and dairy products while advocating for the production of antibiotic-free, safe milk.
As part of the outreach programme, 500 children — 300 from the BAU Muktijoddha Smriti School and 200 from an orphanage in Sutiakhali — were provided with milk.
A total of 15 student groups from the Faculty of Veterinary Science participated in a poster presentation competition, involving 53 students in total. The team led by postgraduate student Tahmid Eshad Rupai secured first place, followed by teams led by Md. Morsalin (fifth year) and Jony Majumder (third year), who earned second and third places, respectively.
Professor Dr. Farida Yeasmin Bari, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science, presided over the event, while Professor Dr. Mohammad Eliusur Rahman Bhuiyan served as the programme moderator.
Dr. Mohammad Abdul Latif, Assistant General Manager of Breed Development and Bull Station at BRAC AI Enterprise, attended as special guest.
In the seminar, Professor Dr. Mohammad Musharraf Uddin Bhuiyan, convener of the organising committee, delivered the welcome address. The keynote paper was presented by Professor Dr. Mst. Minara Khatun of the Department of Microbiology and Hygiene.
Speakers at the event highlighted that since 2001, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has been observing June 1 as World Milk Day to raise global awareness about the value of dairy.
They noted that over 1 billion people are involved in the dairy industry worldwide, and more than 6 billion people consume dairy products.
However, while the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a daily intake of 250ml of milk per person, the current per capita availability in Bangladesh is only 234.45ml.
Experts emphasised the need for improved productivity through healthy dairy cattle and highlighted the urgency of producing milk that is safe, free from harmful bacteria and antibiotic residues.
They also noted the crucial role veterinarians must play in ensuring food safety and public health.
Professor Dr. Farida Yeasmin Bari commented, “This marks the first celebration of World Milk Day by our faculty. The programme began with student poster presentations earlier in the week and culminated today with a children’s milk distribution and rally. Through this observance, we have joined the global effort to highlight the importance of dairy. Bangladesh’s milk production is on the rise, and veterinarians are poised to play an increasingly vital role in this progress.”
The Faculty of Animal Husbandry at BAU, through its Department of Dairy Science, also observed the day with traditional enthusiasm and colourful festivities.