With the slogan 'We will restore land, prevent desertification, achieve drought tolerance’, The two-day 11th Inter-University Environment Debate Competition started on May 13, at Dhaka University.
Sitesh Chandra Bachar, Acting Vice chancellor of Dhaka University, was present as the chief guest and inaugurated this competition while Dr Abdul Hamid, Director general of the Department of Environment, chaired the event.
Dhaka University Debating Society (DUDS) and the Department of Environment jointly organised the competition on the occasion of World Environment Day.
"Due to the gradual increase in population, our habitable land is decreasing. As a result, people are forced to deforest and cut trees. This picture is seen not only in Bangladesh but all over the world. On the other hand, rapid industrialization is taking place in developing countries. For these reasons the environment is being damaged in various ways," Professor Dr Sitesh Chandra Bachar expressed his fear about the environment.
" Overall, development of the country, environment-friendly projects should be taken with utmost importance to the issue of environmental protection. If everyone works together, it is possible to build an environment-friendly and beautiful livable world", he added.
Debaters from 16 universities are participating in the competition on various topics including environment, climate, heat wave, disaster and disaster management, and global warming to protect the environment and increase awareness about it.
Dr Nelofar Parvin, provost of Rokeya Hall, Prof Dr. Muhammad Javed Hossain, Dr Mohammad Shahidullah, Prof Dr Md. Rafiqul Islam, Provost of sir F. Rahman Hall, and Moderator of DUDS Prof Dr SM Shamim Reza, spoke as special guests. DUDS President Arpita Goldar proposed the vote of thanks and General Secretary Adnan Mustari conducted the programme.
