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Gharial is a unique crocodile species with a long, thin snout, perfectly adapted for catching fish, its main diet. Found mainly in South Asia, this is almost extinct in Bangladesh, with very few remaining in the wild. It was chosen for the awareness event to highlight its importance to river ecosystems and draw attention to the urgent need for conservation efforts to save it from disappearing forever.

The campaign started with an inaugural seminar at the Department of Zoology, Rajshahi University. Eminent speakers addressed a diverse audience of almost 100 people, including students, conservationists and policymakers. Dr A. M. Saleh Reza, a professor from Rajshahi University, set the overall tone highlighting the need for habitat renovation. His words have been observed with the aid of Dr Kamrul Hasan of Jahangirnagar University, who painted a hopeful image of the potential for breeding packages to restore Gharial populations. Ahammad-Al-Muhaymin, an architect and assistant professor at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, delved into the design of eco-friendly habitats, while A. B. M. Sarowar Alam, Programme Manager at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹ûÏÖ³¡Ö±²¥ Bangladesh, tied these efforts together, emphasising the critical need for collective action. 

Presiding over the event was the Chief Guest, Md Amir Hossain Chowdhury, Chief Conservator of Forests, who shared words of encouragement. The seminar also welcomed  distinguished guests including Imran Ahmed, Conservator of Forests, and Gobinda Roy, Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests and Project Director of the SUFAL Project. Together, their insights underscored the significance of collaboration among researchers, policymakers and neighbourhood groups in conservation efforts. 

After the seminar, participants engaged in creative activities. A puppet show by Kaktarua Puppet Theatre brought the Gharial’s story to life, delighting children and adults. A painting competition encouraged young people to express their love for nature through art.  The campaign officially started with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at , led by  the Chief Guest Md. Amir Hossain Chowdhury. The event featured a photo exhibition showcasing the beauty and ecological importance of the Gharial. 

The boat journey began on the next day, traveling around 30 kilometres along the Padma River and stopping at key locations such as T-Bandh Rajshahi, Jahajghat, Yusufpur, Mirganj Ghat, Rail bazar Matsya Arat, Godagari Dakbungalow Ghat, Sultanganj Ferry Ghat, and Bidirpur Ghat. 

At every stop, the campaign created excitement with puppet shows along with photo and poster exhibitions. Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹ûÏÖ³¡Ö±²¥ Bangladesh team distributed posters and leaflets, explaining why protecting the Gharial is important. Children were especially excited, asking questions and showing curiosity about conservation. 

Over three days, the boat carried a message of hope and unity to communities along the river. Local people welcomed the campaign, realising that saving the Gharial also meant preserving the rivers they rely on for their livelihoods. When we save their habitat, rivers become cleaner and better for all animals and people who depend on them for water and jobs. 

This campaign was a significant step in the Gharial Conservation Program, as it showed that everyone—researchers, policymakers, communities and individuals—has a role to play in protecting this endangered species.