'Debate to be incorporated into National Edn Week'

Justice Latifur Rahman, former chief adviser of a caretaker government, gives away trophy of the 'Inter-college Victory Day Debate Competition 2005' to the champion team Holy Cross College at the PIB auditorium in the city yesterday. Chairman of Presidency University Foundation Rokia Afzal Rahman, fourth from left, is also seen. Presidency University and National Debate Federation jointly organised the event .. PHOTO: STAR

He said debate is very essential to turn our population into human asset.

The competition held at the auditorium of Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) was jointly organised by Presidency University and National Debate Federation where Holy Cross College became champion and Viqarunnisa Noon School and College runner-up.

Debaters from 15 renowned colleges took part in the competition where participants emphasised the need for unity to rid the country of religious militancy terming it as the first and foremost bar to national progress.

The competition ended with a fresh vow to build a prosperous nation foiling all conspiracies.

Participants also paid glowing tributes to the Liberation War heroes who sacrificed their lives to win freedom.

"Bangladesh as an emerging country needs enlightened citizens and efficient state managers," said Justice Latifur Rahman, former chief advisor to last caretaker government while addressing as chief guest at the closing session.

He said co-curriculum and extra-curriculum activities are also needed to become a perfect citizen and debate can play vital role in this aspect.

"Today's youngsters must build themselves as efficient managers and enlightened citizens for a better Bangladesh," said Prof M Asaduzzaman, chairman of University Grants Commission.

"Being good at study in today's competitive world is not all," he said, adding "One has to attain the efficiency to express and market oneself with skills and reasoning."

Chairman of Presidency University Foundation Rokia Afzal Rahman said debating activities would enable the youngsters to attain self-determination and confidence making them good citizens.

Rokia Afzal, also former advisor to a caretaker government, called on the young debaters to extend their hands of cooperation to the underprivileged to help build a more prosperous society.

Presidency University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof M Harun-ur-Rashid, Convenor of Inter-College Victory Day Debate Completion 2005 Dr Arefa Rahman and National Debate Federation Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron also spoke.