Kurigram, 27 July 2026: To promote critical thinking, logical reasoning, leadership skills, and awareness of contemporary social issues among students, Muslim Aid UK Bangladesh Field Office, in collaboration with Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO), organized an Upazila-level Debate Competition in Kurigram.

The competition brought together the winners of the school-level debate contest, Kathalbari Bohumukhi Girls' High School and Noornobi Holokhana Girls' High School, who competed at the Upazila level.

The event featured two categories. Students from Grades 6 to 8 debated the motion, "Strict Enforcement of the Law, Rather than Awareness Alone, is the Most Effective Way to Prevent Child Marriage." Students from Grades 9 to 10 debated the topic, "Drug Abuse is the Primary Cause of Moral Decline Among Youth." Both affirmative and negative teams presented well-researched arguments, demonstrating strong analytical and public speaking skills.

Following a careful evaluation of the participants' arguments, presentation, and evidence, the judging panel declared Kathalbari Bohumukhi Girls' High School the winner of the competition. Trophies, certificates, and prizes were presented to the winning team and participating students.

The event was graced by Mr. Md. Shafiqul Islam, District Education Officer, Kurigram, as the Chief Guest. The programme was chaired by the Academic Supervisor, Kurigram Sadar Upazila. Special Guests included Md. Shah Oliullah, Coordinator – Education, Muslim Aid UK Bangladesh Field Office, and Md. Main Uddin, CBM Project Manager.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Guest highlighted the importance of debate in nurturing students' critical thinking, communication skills, confidence, and responsible citizenship. The special guests emphasized that co-curricular activities such as debate complement classroom learning by strengthening students' analytical abilities, leadership qualities, and social awareness, preparing them to become informed and responsible citizens.

The debate competition was organized under the "Community Support for Inclusive and Equitable Education across 25 Schools in Kurigram District (CBM-V Project)", implemented by ESDO with the support of Muslim Aid UK Bangladesh Field Office. The project is being implemented in 25 schools (17 secondary and 8 primary schools) across six unions of Kurigram Sadar Upazila. It aims to improve student attendance, reduce school dropout, enhance the quality of education, and promote inclusive and equitable learning through a range of interventions, including teacher capacity building, life skills education, community engagement, WASH improvements, and school development initiatives.