Rajshahi University has won the final round of the 13th Inter-University Environment Debate Competition, organised by the Department of Environment to mark World Environment Day 2026.

Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, finished as runner-up in the competition.

The final round was held at the Bangladesh Television Auditorium on 19 June. The programme will be broadcast on Bangladesh Television on 9 July.

This year’s debate topic was, “Mitigation is more important than adaptation in addressing climate change.” Begum Rokeya University argued in favour of the motion, while Rajshahi University argued against it.

After a fact-based and well-reasoned debate, the judges declared Rajshahi University the winner.

The competition began on 11 May as part of the World Environment Day observance. A total of 32 universities and medical colleges, with four institutions from each of the country’s eight divisions, took part in the contest.

The first round was held at the divisional level. The second and third rounds were held at the Department of Environment Auditorium in Dhaka. The final round was later held at the Bangladesh Television Auditorium between the top two teams.

Department of Environment Director General Dr Md Lutfar Rahman presided over the final round.

Department of Environment Additional Director General Md Ziaul Haque, Dhaka University Professor Dr SM Shamim Reza, and Department of Environment Director (Climate Change and International Convention) Mirza Shawkat Ali served as judges.

In his speech, Dr Md Lutfar Rahman said Bangladesh is implementing various programmes to address the impacts of climate change in line with the National Adaptation Plan, Nationally Determined Contributions and the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan.

He said efforts are continuing to build a climate-resilient Bangladesh through increased use of renewable energy, expansion of forest coverage, environment-friendly development and implementation of nature-based solutions.

“World Environment Day is not merely a ceremonial event. It is a global call to raise awareness on environment and climate issues and to take collective action,” he said.

He added that the debate competition organised by the Department of Environment would play an important role in developing responsible leadership, logical thinking and environmental awareness among the young generation.

The organisers thanked the debaters, trainers, teachers, judges and all those involved in the competition.

They also expressed gratitude to Bangladesh Television and the supporting organisation, Rajshahi University Debating Organization, for their role in organising the event successfully.