Zoological Society of Bangladesh

Zoological Society of Bangladesh a non-political scientific association of the zoologists, established in 1972. Initially after the war of liberation in 1971, 53 zoologists representing most of the institutions of the country arranged a convention on 12 February, 1972 to form the society. In about two months' a constitution was framed and the Bangladesh Pranibijnan Samity or the Zoological Society of Bangladesh (ZSB) was formally inaugurated on 16 April 1972. The principal objective of the society is to promote the science of zoology in all its branches, both pure and applied, and to coordinate between the society and other international organisations. The office of the society is located at the Department of Zoology, university of dhaka.

An elected council consisting of 24 members including a President, 3 Vice-Presidents, a General Secretary, 3 Regional Secretaries, and a Treasurer looks after the activities of the society.

Any science graduate of any nationality having interest in animal sciences may apply for membership. At present the membership stands at about 845 with 65 life members, 78 fellows, and 2 honorary fellows.

The society regularly publishes biannual journal Bangladesh Journal of Zoology and a popular Bangla Bulletin Shankhachil. The journal has an Editorial Board including an Editor-in-Chief and 5 members. The society arranges annual meetings and biannual conferences since its inception. It publishes proceedings following the national conferences. Recently the society published a book, Freshwater Fishes of Bangladesh, authored by AK Ataur Rahman. The society is maintaining its tradition of organising symposia and seminars on subjects of national interest.

The ministries of Education, and Science and Technology of the Government of Bangladesh make annual grants to the society to support its activities. The ZSB also has created a trust fund through donations of the members to ensure continued activities. [SM Humayun Kabir]