Water integrity important for effective climate adaptation

To cope with dire impact of climate change especially towards the water sector, promotion of integrity in the water management can play crucial role in climate adaption. In parallel with various initiatives by government and other organisations to counter climate change effects in Bangladesh, awareness campaigns and advocacy initiatives highlighting water integrity practices and linkages with SDGs should be prioritized in program planning for effective adaptation.

These points came up in an inter-university anti-corruption debate competition participated by young debaters from different universities. Held on 21 March 2018 to mark the World Water Day 2018, TIB organized the Barowari style Debate competition at its Dhaka office with participation of 55 debaters from 26 universities, selected through online registration process.

Dr. Rezwan-ul-Alam, Director – Outreach and Communications of TIB inaugurated the day-long event. Followed by a short speech on the objectives of the competition and youth engagement, he administered anti-corruption oath.

After debates in two stages of primary round, in the final round, 10 debaters competed in the final round and Rifat Afsar Khan from the University of Dhaka became Champion and first, second, third and fourth runner-up were Prosanto Kumar Sen from Dhaka College, Afrida Zinnurain Urbi from DU, Muhammad Farhan Rahman from Jahangirnagar University, Mosabbira Rahman Mousumi from the State University of Bangladesh respectively.

The other 5 finalists were Kazi Amanuzzaman, Md. Ziaur Rahma and Afrose Shachchu Shahnewaz from the University of Dhaka, Hasan Mahmud Samrat from Jahangirnagar University and Rumman Jahan from the University of Asia Pacific respectively.

Mr. Hasan Mahmud Biplob, former President of Bangladesh Debate Federation attended the final round as Chair and handed away prizes and crests to the winners accompanied by senor TIB officials and eminent debate personalities who also acted as judges in different levels of the competition.

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