A spirited debate competition titled “Fossil fuels are not the solution; only renewable energy can combat climate change” was held on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the auditorium of Uttaran Model College, located in the outskirts of Cox’s Bazar. The event was jointly organized by Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra (DHORA) and Waterkeepers Bangladesh.
Students from grades XI and XII of Uttaran Model College participated in the debate, divided into proposition and opposition teams. The program began with an inaugural session presided over by Fazlul Kader Chowdhury, President of the DHORA Cox’s Bazar District Committee. The Chief Guest, renowned educationist and President of Uttaran Model College Sirajul Islam, delivered an insightful keynote address highlighting the urgency of transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Among the special guests were HM Faridul Alam Shaheen, General Secretary of DHORA Cox’s Bazar; Shamsul Haque Sharek, Bureau Chief of Daily Inqilab (Cox’s Bazar); Md. Hasan; and several lecturers, including Abdul Jabbar, Riaz Uddin, Rafiqul Islam, Rebeca Sultana Daisy, Junaid Ayoob, Kaysar Hamid, Maksuda Sabrin Itu, Mamunur Rashid, Zaynab Ara, Ali Noor Shawon, Shahnoor Akhter, Harunur Rashid, M. Alauddin Robin, and Tahmina Jannat Shamia.
The opposition team won the competition, with their team leader Abdul Aziz being named Best Speaker. The judging panel comprised Fazlul Kader Chowdhury, HM Faridul Alam Shaheen, Lecturer Abdul Jabbar, and Md. Hasan.
The program was conducted by Shamshul Alam Shrabon. A large audience of teachers, students, media personnel, and environmental activists attended the event, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere.
At the conclusion of the competition, participants from both the winning and runner-up teams were presented with books related to environmental issues.
In his closing remarks, Chief Guest Sirajul Islam emphasized the critical role of youth in addressing the climate crisis. He stated:
“If we fail to move away from fossil fuels, the Earth will turn into a polluted wasteland. Renewable energy is our only path toward a livable future. The younger generation must rise and take a stand now.”
Participants from the proposition team included Kamrul Hasan (Grade XI), Md. Omairul Islam (Grade XI), and Tamanna Akter (Grade XI).
Representing the opposition team were Abdul Aziz (Grade XII), Tanzimul Hossain Tanim (Grade XII), and Umme Habiba (Grade XII).
