For a Better Tomorrow

The students engaged in a heated debate. Photo: Courtesy

To seek freedom through logic is an essential aspect of life. With the slogan, 'Juktir Aloy Khuji Manusher Mukti', the grand finale of Bitorko Bikash was initiated. The programme was held at Osmany Smrity Milonayton, on April 13, 2013. The main aim of the programme was to promote a vision to establish the right to logic in all aspects of life. Bitorko Bikash was joinly organised by BRAC, ATN Bangla and Debate for Democracy.

BRAC in collaboration with ATN Bangla and Debate for Democracy (DFD) organised the National Debate Competition for the disadvantaged students of rural Bangladesh. The programme was inaugurated on February 18, 2012. In total around 8000 non-government, secondary schools comprising of 40000 students took part in the debate tournament. The primary objective of this debate competition was to develop and support creative activities and set free human potentials for the overall development of students. In addition, it also helped students familiarise and publicise themselves with socio-economic issues.

Kaligonj Korimuddin Public Pilot High School, Lalmonirhat became the champions of the grand finale after defeating Chondronath Girls High School, Sunamgonj. The topic of the debate was 'Only social awareness can remove dowry'. Both teams engaged in a heated debate but finally it was Kaligonj Korimuddin Public Pilot High School, who conquered the medal of honour under their belt.

In another debate competition, 'Secondary Stage of Education is the most important time for learning values' participated by high school teachers, Tularampur High School became the champions by defeating Razzak High School, Comilla. In the competition 8 thousand high schools comprising 40 thousand students took part in student's debate while 2 thousand high schools with 10 thousand teachers took part in teachers debate championship. Each champion team has been awarded 20 thousand taka, crest and medal and the runners-up team was given 15 thousand taka, along with crests and medals.

The Education Minister with the participants. Photo: Courtesy

The chief guest of the programme was the Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid, MP and Dr Mahfuzur Rahman, Chairman ATN Bangla and ATN News and Education Secretary Dr Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury were present as special guests. BRAC founder and Chairperson Sir Fazle Hasan Abed was also present at the occasion. BRAC education programme Director Dr Shafiqul Islam provided the welcome speech and Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahamed Chowdhury Kiron moderated the grand finale debate championship.

“Our vision is to build a Bangladesh free of poverty and corruption and that is why we need a massive social change. The main reformers of this change are the students of this generation who will build the country by enriching it with ethics and honesty,” said Nurul Islam Nahid, the Education Minister.

“There will always be differences in terms of opinion and ways of activities. Continuous practicing of debate can change the life of an individual. Our objective is to develop creative youths and to expand their abilities of thinking,” explained Sir Fazle Hasan Abed.

Last but not least, the grand finale was moderated by Hassan Ahamed Chowdhury Kiron, Chairman of Debate for Democracy. Nawazish Ali Khan, the ATN Bangla programme Advisor also spoke at the occasion. Among others BRAC education programme General Manager Dr Joya Sen Gupta, Senior Manager Shahidullah Miah, Shafiqul Islam Tipu, DFD Director Zahid Rahman, Kabir Hossain Shishir, NDF Secretary General Mostafizur Rahman Khan were present at the occasion.

Such noble initiatives help students mould their personality. Through these programmes they can learn more about their country and the world around them.