Published: 12 August 2023
With the resolution to fight corruption, youths from different educational institutions participated in a day long debate competition event. A total of 12 Dhaka based Youth Engagement & Support (YES) groups participated in the event with much exuberance celebrating the International Youth Day.
TIB inspired YES group from Sher-E-Bangla Agricultural University organized the parliamentary styled debate competition with the cooperation of Dhaka-based YES groups on 12 August 2023 at Sher-E- Bangla campus. It was an Inter-YES Anti-Corruption debate competition, aimed at raising awareness about corruption and bringing them together to fight against it.
DU won the competition
The YES Group from the Institute of Education and Research (IER) at the University of Dhaka emerged as the champion, with the YES Group from Jahangirnagar University securing the runner-up position. Additionally, Md. Rakib Mia, a member of the YES Group from IER, University of Dhaka, earned the title of 'Best Speaker.
The motion of the final round was “This Parliament believes that the role of the youth in preventing corruption is crucial to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals’’. A total of 13 debates were held in 4 rounds in the day-long event.
Under the overall supervision of Prof. Dr. Md. Harun-Ur-Rashid, Moderator of YES Group, SAU and Proctor of Sher-E-Bangla Agricultural University, the faculty members of various departments of the University and TIB representatives were the honorable judges.
SDG not possible without preventing corruption
During the awards ceremony, TIB Executive Director, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, emphasized that the achievement of SDGs hinges on curbing corruption. He highlighted how corruption acts as a hindrance to sustainable development, undermining the principle of leaving no one behind. Dr. Zaman stressed the necessity of political determination to combat corruption, noting that the call for zero tolerance towards corruption must translate from rhetoric into action. He further urged those engaged in anti-corruption efforts to play an active role, while also encouraging citizens to take a stand against corruption.
Speaking as the chief guest, Sher-E-Bangla Agricultural University Treasurer, Professor, Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, hoped that these debaters would reach the national level and that the initiative would continue in the future. He found TIB's initiative commendable, believing it would contribute to the country's progress. Recognizing TIB's efforts in the anti-corruption social movement in the country, he urged the youth to play a strong and active role in curbing corruption.
TIB's Civic Engagement Division’s Director Ferhana Ferdous emphasized the importance of development of green skills of youth for sustainable development.
YES Group, Bangladesh-Kuwait Maitree Hall, University of Dhaka; Department of Development Studies, University of Dhaka; Institute of Social Welfare and Research, University of Dhaka; Institute of Education and Research (IER), University of Dhaka; Uttara University; STAMFORD University, University of Asia Pacific, Jahangirnagar University; Daffodil International University; ULAB; YES-2, Dhaka YES-1 participated in the debate competition.
Oath-taking and tree plantation
At the event, TIB's Executive Director led an anti-corruption oath-taking session attended by approximately 200 participants. Furthermore, following the award ceremony, there was a tree planting activity involving both teachers and students.
UAP YES sensitizes youth to fight corruption
In another event, YES Club of the University of Asia Pacific (UAP) organized a campaign at the university's Club Fair on August 10, 2023. YES members educated fellow students about the application of the Right to Information Act, 2009, and motivated them to utilize the act to combat corruption. Attendees also learned about TIB's YES program, aimed at fortifying the fight against corruption in Bangladesh.
Esteemed actor Fazlur Rahman Babu commended the YES members for their valuable contributions and dedication to shape an anti-corruption society. He also encouraged them to lead the social movement against corruption, engaging more youth and citizens. Among others, the university's Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Qumrul Ahsan, and Pro Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Md. Sultan Mahmud, visited the campaign, inspiring youth in their anti-corruption endeavors. The YES stall drew hundreds of UAP students, raising awareness among them.
