Rajshahi University secured its third consecutive title in the national environment debate competition, defeating Begum Rokeya University in a closely contested final on climate mitigation and adaptation.
Rajshahi University has won the 13th Inter-University Environment Debate Competition, organised by the Department of Environment to mark World Environment Day 2026. Begum Rokeya University finished as runner-up.
The final round was held at the Bangladesh Television Auditorium on 19 June and will be broadcast on 9 July.
This year’s motion “Mitigation is more important than adaptation in addressing climate change” sparked a closely contested debate, with Begum Rokeya University arguing in favour and Rajshahi University opposing it. After a fact-based and analytical contest, the judges declared Rajshahi University the winner.
The competition began on 11 May as part of World Environment Day observance, bringing together 32 universities and medical colleges from all eight divisions of Bangladesh. The contest progressed through divisional rounds, followed by second and third rounds at the Department of Environment auditorium in Dhaka, before culminating in the final stage in the capital.
The final round was presided over by Dr Md Lutfar Rahman, Director General of the Department of Environment. The judging panel comprised Md Ziaul Haque, Additional Director General of the Department of Environment, Dr SM Shamim Reza, Professor of the University of Dhaka, and Mirza Shawkat Ali, Director (Climate Change and International Conventions) of the Department of Environment.
In the final round, Rajshahi University was represented by Niloy Saha from the Department of Philosophy, Mamunuzzaman Snigdha from the Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, and Ashraful Islam Sandhi from the Department of Law.
Niloy Saha said, “This third consecutive championship reflects the continuity and strength of Rajshahi University’s debating tradition. We hope future editions of this competition will engage more grassroots-level students and expand its reach further.”
Mamunuzzaman Snigdha said, “Maintaining this winning streak was not easy. We faced strong competition, but our preparation and teamwork helped us achieve it. Rajshahi University has a consistent record in national debates, and we hope to continue this journey of success.”
Speaking at the event, Dr Md Lutfar Rahman said Bangladesh is implementing a range of climate programmes aligned with the National Adaptation Plan, Nationally Determined Contributions, and the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to build a climate-resilient Bangladesh through renewable energy expansion, afforestation, environmentally friendly development, and nature-based solutions.
“World Environment Day is not merely a ceremonial event. It is a global call to raise awareness on environmental and climate issues and to take collective action,” he said. “We must move from awareness to action if we are to secure a sustainable future.”
He further added, “Youth engagement like this debate competition is essential. It develops critical thinking, leadership, and a sense of responsibility towards the environment.”
The organisers said the competition plays an important role in strengthening youth engagement in climate discourse. They thanked participating debaters, trainers, teachers, judges, and supporting institutions including Bangladesh Television and the Rajshahi University Debating Organization for ensuring the successful completion of the event.
Rajshahi University’s victory marks its third consecutive championship in the national inter-university environment debate contest, reinforcing its strong presence in Bangladesh’s debating landscape.
