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JU Correspondent: Russell Mahmud and Shyamoli Das emerged as champions in the men’s and women’s categories respectively at the Tiger Run Marathon, organised at Jahangirnagar University (JU) to mark World Tiger Day, with around 200 students taking part in the event.
Organised by the Youth Volunteer Alliance, Jahangirnagar University, the marathon began at 6:00am on Tuesday from the university’s Central Shaheed Minar. The event aimed to raise awareness about tiger conservation, wildlife protection and healthy living among young people.
In the men’s competition, Russell Mahmud claimed the championship title, while Keingpre Mro finished as the first runner-up and Mansur Ahmed secured third place.
In the women’s category, Shyamoli Das won the championship, with Puja Rani and Sabikun Nahar finishing as the first and second runners-up respectively.
All participants who successfully completed the designated course received commemorative medals and breakfast, while the top three finishers in each category were presented with crests in recognition of their performances.
The prize-giving ceremony was held later at the foot of the university’s Central Shaheed Minar.
State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque attended the ceremony as the chief guest. The event was chaired by JU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan.
Among the special guests were Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Prof Dr Muhammad Nazrul Islam, Monowara Begum, Executive Director of Protyashi, and Adnan Azad, Convener of the Bangladesh Animal Welfare Association.
Speaking at the ceremony, the state minister stressed the importance of promoting physical fitness alongside environmental awareness.
“This run should not be limited to World Tiger Day alone. Running teaches discipline, ethics and values. We hope to build a healthy and prosperous Bangladesh by creating employment opportunities for young people and women,” he said.
He expressed hope that the Tiger Run Marathon would inspire students to participate in more constructive social and environmental initiatives in the future.
Highlighting the significance of wildlife conservation, Aminul Haque urged citizens to play an active role in protecting Bangladesh’s biodiversity.
“Safeguarding wildlife is a shared responsibility. Protecting tigers and other animals is essential for maintaining ecological balance and preserving our natural heritage,” he said.
Bangladesh is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, an iconic species found mainly in the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. World Tiger Day, observed annually on July 29, seeks to raise global awareness about tiger conservation and the protection of their natural habitats. Bangladesh regularly marks the occasion through awareness campaigns, educational programmes and conservation activities.
The prize distribution ceremony was conducted by Youth Volunteer Alliance organisers Sheikh Lokman Galib and Md Sazib.
Organisers said they hope to make the Tiger Run Marathon an annual event, combining sports, youth engagement and environmental awareness while encouraging students to adopt healthier lifestyles and contribute to wildlife conservation.