DU Correspondent

A two-day 11th Inter-University Environment Debate Competition started om at Dhaka University on Monday under the slogan 'We will restore land, prevent desertification, achieve drought tolerance'.

Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) engaged in the routine duties of the Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University Sitesh Chandra Bachar was present as the chief guest and inaugurated this competition at TSC .

Dhaka University Debating Society (DUDS) and Department of Environment jointly organized this competition on the occasion of World Environment Day.

Director General of the Department of Environment Dr. Abdul Hamid chaired the event, Dhaka University Rokeya Hall Principal Professor Dr. Nilufar Parveen, Dr. Muhammad Shahidullah Hall Principal Prof. Dr. Muhammad Javed Hossain, Sir AF Rahman Hall Principal Prof. Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam, moderator of DUDS Prof. Dr. SM Shamim Reza, Shahidullah Hall debating club moderator Professor Dr. Mohammad Ajmal Hossain Bhaiyya and Director of Environment Department Mirza Shawkat Ali spoke as special guests. DUDS President Arpita Goldar proposed the vote of thanks and General Secretary Adnan Mustari conducted the programme.

Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) Professor Dr. Sitesh Chandra Bachar said, due to the gradual increase in population in the country, 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 the country for the purpose of development. Due to these reasons the environment is being damaged in various ways. In the overall development of the country, environmental protection should be given utmost importance and environment friendly projects should be taken. If everyone works together, it is possible to build an environment friendly and a beautiful livable world. He expressed hope that this debate competition will play a role in environmental conservation and increase awareness and will help policy makers to take effective steps.

It is to be noted that debaters from 16 universities of the country are participating in this 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.