Photo: BSS

CHITTAGONG UNIVERSITY, July 12, 2026 (BSS)- A snake awareness seminar was held at Chittagong University (CU) today to raise awareness among students about snakes and snakebite prevention.

The seminar was organized in the seminar room of Bijoy 24 Hall by Bijoy 24 Hall in collaboration with the Society for Snakes and Snakebite Awareness (3SA).

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mohammad Al-Forkan attended the event as the chief guest, while Pro-VC (Academic) Prof. Dr. Mohammed Al-Amin was present as the special guest.

VC Al-Forkan said, CU campus is part of a natural ecosystem. It is impossible to preserve this ecosystem by destroying any animal. 

“Therefore, we should not kill snakes. If we see a snake, we should remain cautious and use well-lit pathways. Despite our limitations, we are working to make the university safer and better," he said.

Pro-VC (Academic) Prof. Dr. Mohammed Al-Amin said, "Snakes generally avoid two types of places—clean and well-lit areas. So, avoid staying unnecessarily in dark and unclean places. Awareness can significantly reduce the risk of snakebite."

Among the guests were Chittagong University Central Students' Union (CUCSU) Vice-President (VP) Ibrahim Hossain Roni, General Secretary (GS) Sayed Bin Habib and Assistant General Secretary (AGS) Ayobur Rahman Tawfick.

VP Ibrahim Hossain Roni said, "Snakes are present on the CU campus, but we certainly do not want everyone to encounter them. If anyone does come across a snake, they should remain calm and cautious instead of being panicked. It is also advisable to avoid areas where snakes are known to be more active."

Regarding the demand for storing antivenom at the university medical centre, he said, "Antivenom cannot be administered in just any hospital. It requires specific protocols, trained personnel and the necessary infrastructure. We are working on the issue."

The seminar was chaired by Bijoy 24 Hall Provost Prof. Dr. Jannat Ara Parveen and moderated by Hall Students' Union GS Sadiya Mahsin. The keynote presentation was delivered by Ibrahim Khalil Al Haidar, Assistant Professor of the Department of Zoology at CU and adviser to 3SA.

In his presentation, Khalil discussed what to do upon encountering a snake, methods of identifying snakes, ways to prevent snakebites, differences between venomous and non-venomous snakes, dos and don'ts after a snakebite and antivenom treatment. 

The organizers said the main objective of the programme was not to create unnecessary fear about snakes, but rather to ensure students' safety and promote wildlife conservation through accurate information, awareness and scientific understanding.

Shamsun Nahar Hall Provost Prof. Dr. Ismat Ara Haque, Bijoy 24 Hall Students' Union VP Sanu Akter Nodi, residential teachers, elected hall student representatives and members of 3SA were present.

After continuous heavy rainfall in Chattogram, the presence of snakes has increased in various residential halls, administrative buildings and roads on the CU campus. On Saturday, a student of the Department of History encountered a Mock Viper in front of the university's administrative building. On the same night, students rescued a venomous Greater Black Krait from Shahjalal Hall.

Earlier, on Wednesday night, a student named Ashraful Alam was bitten by a snake on the road adjacent to Khaleda Zia Hall. He was given primary treatment at the university medical centre and Hathazari Upazila Health Complex before being transferred to Chattogram Medical College Hospital. He has now recovered.