BAU observes World Milk Day. Photo: BSS

MYMENSINGH, June 1, 2025 (BSS)  -  With the theme of  "Let’s Celebrate the Power of Milk", Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) observed World Milk Day for the 13th consecutive year on Sunday.

As part of the celebration, approximately 2,500 students from different schools on the university campus were offered milk at 10 am. 

The event formally began with the release of balloons by Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Shahidul Haque in front of the Faculty of Animal Husbandry. A colorful rally was brought out and it ended at the Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin Auditorium parading the university main roads. 

A seminar on the importance of milk and the dairy industry commenced at noon. 

The event was chaired by Professor Dr. A.K.M. Masum, Head of the Department of Dairy Science. 

Distinguished guests included Professor Dr. Md. Ruhul Amin, Dean of the Faculty of Animal Husbandry; Rebecca Sharmin, Head of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs at Nestlé Bangladesh; and several eminent academics -- retired Professor Dr. M.A. Samad Khan (BAU), retired Professor Dr. Md. Nurul Islam (Asian University of Bangladesh), and Professor Dr. Md. Abul Hashem, President of the Bangladesh Animal Husbandry Association were present.

Professor Dr. Md. Harun-Ur-Rashid, Convener of the World Milk Day Celebration Committee, delivered the welcome address. 

The keynote presentation was made by Professor Dr. Mohammad Ashikul Islam, member secretary of the committee.

In his remarks, Acting Vice-Chancellor Dr. Shahidul Haque highlighted milk as the first and most essential food for every newborn, calling it a "perfect food" that nurtures physical, mental, and intellectual growth. 

He urged parents to steer children away from junk and fast food, and instead promote milk and dairy products. 

“A healthy, intelligent, and knowledgeable generation cannot be built without milk,” he stated. “Many countries provide milk as part of school meals. We hope to see this initiative implemented in Bangladesh soon,” Dr. Shahidul said.