- A botany expert turned online educator in Bangladesh is proving that anyone can become a plant enthusiast, no educational degree required.
- With his short, snappy videos, Azharul Islam Khan has captivated around a million followers on social media, teaching them about the diversity of Bangladeshi plants and trees.
- His engaging content isn’t just for plant lovers; it’s building a diverse community of students, eco-conscious families and nature enthusiasts.
- Azharul is on a mission to protect the environment, advocating sustainable tree planting and educating the public about the importance of balanced ecosystems.
In the bustling city of Dhaka, Azharul Islam Khan is developing a growing community of plant enthusiasts, one video at a time.
With a degree in botany from Dhaka University and a 27-year-long career in the pharmaceutical industry, 54-year-old Azharul has always had a passion for plants. But it wasn’t just his formal education that fueled his love for botany. He says he believes that anyone can learn to identify plants, regardless of academic background.
This belief drove him to take his plant knowledge beyond the classroom and into the homes of thousands of people through short engaging videos on Facebook and YouTube. Some of his videos have even gone viral, receiving more than 10 million views within just 24 hours.
Azharul’s journey of plant identification began in 2008, but it was only recently in 2023 that he decided to go online to share his wealth of knowledge with the world. He says that formal education is not necessary to learn about the natural world.
“You don’t need a degree to recognize plants,” he says. “You just need curiosity and a willingness to observe.”
His knowledge of scientific names and deep understanding of plant characteristics comes from years of self-study and experience. He is particularly passionate about preserving medicinal and endangered species. Of the estimated 6,000 flora species found in Bangladesh, 127 species are listed as endangered and 262 as vulnerable.
Azharul’s focus is on discovering rare and endangered species, and he keeps their locations private to protect them from being harmed or collected by others. He often embarks on trips to national parks, local gardens and even neglected roadside areas to find plants.
Short videos for a busy world
Azharul says he understands that not everyone has time to sit through long educational videos in today’s fast-paced world. This is why he’s chosen to keep his videos brief, which are usually no longer than a minute or two.
“People don’t have 30 or 40 minutes to spare,” he says, “but if I make a short video, they’re more likely to watch it and learn something new.”
His videos feature a wide range of topics, from medicinal plants like kukurchita (Litsea glutinosa) and handishoor (Heliotropium indicum) to non-native species such as the Singapore daisy (Sphagneticola trilobata) and the ‘majestic heaven lotus’ (Gustavia augusta).
Azharul’s videos are also known for their creative video titles, which spark curiosity and attract viewers: “The plant whose thorns were used to make stamps,” “Codura leaf used to clean fish,” and “Is mahatitnga (Acmella oleracea) effective for nasal polyps?” These videos are more than just educational — they’re designed to entertain and inspire viewers to learn more about the natural world around them.
Azharul is building a stronger bond between humans and nature, one brief video at a time.
A community of learners and growers
Since he began sharing his videos on Facebook about a year ago, Azharul has amassed around a million followers. His content is popular not only for its educational value but also for its ability to engage viewers of all ages.
Azharul’s audience is not limited to plant enthusiasts. His videos also cater to students, especially those in high school. Through simple yet informative content, Azharul teaches students about important plant traits, like pollination and how to differentiate between monocots and dicots.
His videos also teach the right way to plant trees and creating a balance in the ecosystem.
Azharul encourages children to get involved in planting trees, especially during the rainy season, and to learn how plants contribute to the ecosystem and environmental balance.
Today, widely recognized for sharing a mix of lesser-known, diverse, and scientific plant knowledge across social media, Azharul has earned the affectionate nickname brikkho bondhu (‘plant friend’ in Bangla) from his followers.
“Drawing attention to trees is one of my main goals,” Azharul explains. “If my work encourages someone to take an interest in planting trees or reveals new facts about them, then I’ve accomplished my mission.”
A commitment to sustainability
Azharul’s passion extends beyond identification and education; he is deeply committed to environmental sustainability.
He says he firmly believes that trees should not be cut down unnecessarily and advocates replacing any trees removed with new ones.
Azharul’s philosophy emphasizes careful planning when planting trees, assessing the ecological impact of each decision. He warns against planting trees during heat waves, suggesting that people plan in advance to ensure proper growth and shade.
“I tell people, if you plant a tree, be patient,” he says. “It might take a few years to give you shade, but don’t complain if it doesn’t happen immediately.”
Azharul’s teachings have resonated with his followers, who often share their own planting experiences and ask questions about the plants they encounter.
The journey ahead
Azharul says his journey is just beginning.
He left his job and dedicated all his time to spreading word online. He plans to expand his work by starting a nursery at home, where he already grows a variety of plants, including species like indigo that are not commonly grown at homes.
“Plant identification is not my profession, it’s my passion,” Azharul says, summing up his mission perfectly. His love for plants and his desire to share his knowledge with the world will continue to grow, inspiring others to appreciate the beauty and importance of the natural world.
Banner image: Standing amidst a vibrant field of cosmos flowers, Azharul Islam Khan highlights their numerous benefits. He says these delicate blooms are not only a feast for the eyes with their radiant hues, but they also play a significant role in supporting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Cosmos flowers are low-maintenance and thrive in various climates, making them perfect for enhancing garden biodiversity. Image courtesy of Azharul Islam Khan.
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