To build a corruption-free society and raise awareness among students, a weeklong debate, essay, and art competition organized by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has begun in Satkhira. The event is being hosted by the District Corruption Prevention Committee in collaboration with the Satkhira district administration.
The inaugural round was held on Thursday (September 18) at 10:00 am at the Satkhira Sadar Upazila Auditorium. Secondary-level students are participating in the contests centered on corruption prevention.
The program was presided over by Dr. Abul Kalam Babla, President of the Satkhira District Corruption Prevention Committee, and conducted by its General Secretary Md. Anisur Rahman. Superintendent of Police Md. Monirul Islam attended as the chief guest. Special guests included Shoyeb Ahmad, UNO of Satkhira Sadar Upazila; Abul Fazal, Assistant Director of ACC Khulna; DI-1 Md. Hafizur Rahman; Md. Jaharul Islam, District Information Officer; and Sanjit Kumar Das, Deputy Director of Youth Development Department, Satkhira.
Former General Secretary of the District Corruption Prevention Committee Professor Mozammel Hossain also spoke at the event.
The competition was judged by Md. Azmal Kabir, Deputy Director of the Regional Passport Office, Satkhira; Faiza Hossain Onnesha, District Cultural Officer; and Md. Riazul Islam, District Child Affairs Officer. Moderators were committee members Sakibur Rahman Babla, Principal Rezaul Karim, and Rebeka Sultana.
Among those present were Narayan Chandra Mondol, recently retired Secondary Education Officer of Satkhira Sadar Upazila; Md. Shariful Islam, Upazila Social Service Officer; Md. Abul Hossain, Acting Secondary Education Officer; Md. Asaduzzaman, Upazila Primary Education Officer; Md. Abdul Hai Siddiqui, Women Affairs Officer; Murshida Akhter, Vice-President of the District Corruption Prevention Committee; poet and writer Professor Abdul Wahab Azad; Advocate Muniruddin, GM Nazmul Arif, Enamul Kabir Khan, and others.
With the theme “Youth united against corruption: building a future of integrity”, the event is organized by ACC Khulna Integrated District Office (CDA) with support from Satkhira district administration and the District Corruption Prevention Committee.
In his keynote speech, Superintendent of Police Mohammad Monirul Islam said: "We aspired to build a prosperous and developed country, yet corruption is evident in different sectors of society, obstructing development. Moral values are eroding, and corruption is harming our nation. We must declare war against corruption. Life is a test, and we must walk the path of truth and justice. Religious values and moral education are essential to prevent corruption."
A total of 32 educational institutions are participating in the competition. The opening debate featured Madrasatul Jannat Dakhil Madrasa on the proposition team and Chupria Siddiquia Dakhil Madrasa on the opposition team. The motion was: “Citizens bear greater responsibility than the government in resisting corruption.”
In the first stage, students from both upazilas and municipalities are competing. Debate topics include:
“Delays in the judicial process hinder anti-corruption efforts” (Upazila level).
“Corruption hampers development in developing countries” (Municipality level).
Other debate motions set for the competition are:
Citizens are more responsible than the government in fighting corruption.
Corruption is the main cause of social inequality.
The government bears greater responsibility in anti-corruption measures.
Lack of public awareness about essential services fuels corruption.
Abuse of political and state power increases corruption and disrupts peace.
Neglect of religious values is a key reason for corruption.
Not poverty but boundless greed fuels corruption.
Decline of family values spreads corruption.
Proper use of information technology can help build a corruption-free nation.
Corruption is the main obstacle to building an exploitation-free society.
Corruption is not an inborn trait; it is created by social surroundings.
The second round will be held on September 24 at 11:00 am.
Md. Anisur Rahman, General Secretary of the Satkhira District Corruption Prevention Committee, said: "By practicing honesty and integrity, students can play a vital role in preventing corruption. These competitions will deeply influence their mindset."
Recently retired Satkhira Sadar Upazila Secondary Education Officer Narayan Chandra Mondol added: "Creating awareness among students about corruption prevention is very timely. Everyone must work together to make this competition successful."
Winners will be awarded and given the opportunity to participate in district-level competitions.
