National Moth Week is pleased to welcome Ali Akbar Rafi as the new country coordinator for Bangladesh.

Ali is currently studying for his bachelor’s degree in zoology at Jagannath University in Dhaka. He describes himself as a “dedicated and enthusiastic student with a strong commitment to academic excellence and personal growth … consistently seeking opportunities to expand my
knowledge and skills through research projects, internships, and
relevant workshops or seminars.”

Ali first learned about National Moth Week from a Facebook post by Dr. Shawan Chowdhury, then Bangladesh’s country coordinator.

“I contacted him and learned more about National Moth week,” he said.

Last year, he participated in NMW with his team members from Jagannath University.

Beyond the classroom, he has participated in numerous activities focused on nature and conservation, including bird identification, a nature study and conservation club, and a “butterfly fair” – a university butterfly identification competition arranged by Jahangirnagar University in Savar.

“As a zoology student, I’ve learned many things about moths and I’m very much interested to do work in this field. Moths are very interesting subject to know,” Ali said.

Ali noted that he also has authored a research paper published in Folia Primatologica, “Artificial canopy bridge use by primates and other arboreal mammals in a fragmented tropical forest of northeast Bangladesh.”

Ali’s interest in moths prompted Shawan, who is moving out of the country, to recommend him as the new country coordinator.

Ali plans to hold a moth night at Satchari National Park in Habiganj, and hopes to do a seminar about moths at his university.

“In Bangladesh, many people can’t differentiate between butterflies and moths, so it will be better to arrange a seminar,” he said.

National Moth Week thanks Shawan for serving as country coordinator and wishes Ali well in his new role.