It was exceptional and perhaps the first such attempt in the country. Tadpoles of frog were released in two waterbodies in Meherpur under a slogan: Save frog save environment.

Meherpur Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Nabirul Islam took the initiative with the help of some local journalists.

Besides maintaining balance in the environment, there is a good prospect for establishing frog farms in the country, which will earn huge amounts of foreign exchange, Nabirul said while talking to this correspondent during a visit there.

The move was appreciated by local people as well. A large number of people joined various programmes to create awareness not to kill frogs.

About 50,000 tadpoles of Sonabang,

a common variety of big size frog available in the country, were released at Chad Beel and Teghoria Beel on July 25. This correspondent during the visit saw local people taking care of the frogs, which have grown up to 400 grams now.

Even illiterate people in the area are now aware of the good effects of having frog in fields. These kill harmful insects which damage crops, they told this correspondent.

“We started after creating awareness about good effects of frogs in maintaining environmental balance”, said Nabirul, also an agriculturist.

A meeting of professionals including journalists, local NGO officials, teachers, businessmen, social workers and students was called. A good response was available from all sections.

A coordination committee was

formed. Leaflets and posters were distributed and several processions brought out with participation of thousands of people.

“This brought a good result. People of all classes extended cooperation to us and helped protect the tadpoles released”, Nabirul said.

“Local journalists also helped with money because I had no fund for this unusual programme”, he added.

A local hatchery owner--Hamidur Rahman-- came with assistance. He produced 50,000 tadpoles in his hatchery and supplied those free of cost.

Plash Khandakar, Meherpur Correspondent of national daily Amer Desh, said the programme has created a great awareness about maintaining environmental balance in the area.

Other journalists who extended their helping hand are Abu Lache Lablu

of Ittefaque, Mizanur Rahman of local daily Desh Tathya, Mohosin Ali of Bhorer Dak and Kamruzzaman Khan of Daily Janata.

According to environmentalists, frogs eat up different types of insects harmful for crops. An increase in frog population in fields can reduce use of harmful insecticides. Use of insecticides destroy fish fries and beneficial insects.

This correspondent also saw frogs in large numbers in fields near the waterbodies. Local people said their population has increased with a good effect on crops.

UNO Nabiul said some youths are now thinking of setting up frog farms. Frog legs are now exported and it has good markets abroad.