The final of the “Inter-school Debate Competition 2024 on Plastic Use and Management,” organised by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Bangladesh Debate Federation (BDF), took place at Ali Ahmed Chunka Nagar Library and Auditorium on 24 September. The event aimed to raise awareness among young people about plastic pollution and inspire sustainable practices.
Islamic Educational Trust (IET) Government High School triumphed in a closely contested final against Morgan Girls High School. Sadman Bhuiyan from IET was named the best debater of the final. The two-day competition featured 16 teams from Narayanganj District.
Dr. Rana Pratap Singh, UNIDO’s Project Director, emphasised the importance of engaging students in sustainability, noting that today’s youth are tomorrow’s responsible citizens. “Equipping students with knowledge and critical thinking on plastic use is essential for a sustainable future,” he stated.
Dr. Abdullah Al Mamun, National Project Director and Deputy Director of the Department of Environment, highlighted the need for integrated approaches to address plastic pollution. He remarked that the competition fosters critical thinking and problem-solving on key environmental challenges.
The event is part of the broader “Integrated Approach Towards Sustainable Plastics Use and Marine Litter Prevention in Bangladesh” project, jointly implemented by UNIDO and the Department of Environment (DoE), and funded by the Government of Norway.
Masud Rana, Executive Magistrate of Narayanganj, stressed the need for youth involvement in fighting plastic pollution. Plaban Gongopaddhay, President of BDF, highlighted the value of debates in developing critical thinking, stating that the enthusiasm shown by students reaffirms their role in spreading awareness for a sustainable future.
The competition will continue in Sirajganj and Cox’s Bazar, encouraging more young voices to engage in discussions on plastic use and marine litter prevention.