East Delta University Vice-Chancellor Prof Muhammad Sekandar Khan speaks at the inaugural session of The Daily Star-BSRM English Debate Competition 2012 organised by Dristy Chittagong at Fulki School's auditorium in the port city yesterday.Photo: STAR

The seven-day The Daily Star-BSRM English Debate Competition 2012 began in Chittagong city yesterday with the participation of 24 teams from ten local schools and 12 universities from Chittagong and Dhaka.
East Delta University Vice Chancellor Prof Muhammad Sekandar Khan inaugurated the competition as chief guest at Fulki School's auditorium.
Prof Sekandar said, “The quality of debaters in this arena makes them capable of competing in international programmes. Some of the debaters have already demonstrated their abilities.”
He asked the debaters to improve their performance by increasing their participation in debates for the betterment of the country's political, social and economic sectors.
The Daily Star Chittagong Bureau Chief Raisul Huq Bahar said, “Such competitions will help students develop patriotism, generate new ideas and enrich their English skills.”
The participating schools are Bangladesh Elementary School, Chittagong Collegiate School, Cantonment English School, Sunshine Grammar School, Cider International School, Presidency International School, Bay View School, The Dux, Silver Bells School and Chittagong Sunshine School.
The universities are North South University, Islamic University of Technology, Chittagong University, Institute of Business Administration of Dhaka University, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, East West University, Independent University Bangladesh, Asian University for Women, Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology, University of Science and Technology Chittagong, Premier University Chittagong and Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Science University.
The final of the competition, being organised by Dristy Chittagong, will be held on May 9 for the school category and May 12 for the university category.
Bay View School Principal and Director Baishakhi Mendes and Premier University Dean of Faculties Prof Dr Iftekheruddin Chowdhury were present as the special guests.