Youth urged to lead climate action at Chattogram debate, quiz competition

More than 200 students from colleges and universities across Chattogram took part in a climate-themed debate and quiz competition today (30 June) as part of the "Youth for Climate Action" initiative, aimed at encouraging young people to play a greater role in tackling the climate crisis.

The event, jointly organised by Drishti Chattogram and Young Power in Social Action (YPSA), was held at the Theatre Institute Chattogram (TIC) with support from Solidar Suisse, the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh and the CALL project.

The programme sought to raise climate awareness among young people and inspire them to take on leadership roles in environmental protection.

Speaking at the event, Director of the Department of Environment in Chattogram Mohammad Zamir Uddin, Deputy Inspector General of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments Mohammad Mahbubul Hasan, The Business Standard Chattogram Bureau Chief Shamsuddin Illius, Chattogram District Women's Sports Association Vice-President Brijet D'Costa, former Drishti Chattogram President Koshshaful Haque Shehzad and YPSA Head of Advocacy Mohammad Ali Shahin underscored the importance of youth participation in addressing climate change.

The speakers said the climate crisis is intensifying and that meaningful local action will require greater youth engagement, leadership and awareness.

Addressing the programme, The Business Standard Chattogram Bureau Chief Shamsuddin Illius said climate change is no longer a distant threat, with its impacts already evident through river erosion, extreme heat and biodiversity loss.

He said the media would continue highlighting environmental challenges while supporting youth-led initiatives to protect the environment.

Presiding over the programme, Drishti Chattogram founder Masud Bakul said the organisation has been working for more than three decades to promote environmental protection, youth development and social awareness. He said empowering young people is essential to building a climate-resilient future.

The event featured an exhibition debate between the debating clubs of BGC Trust University Bangladesh and Premier University on the role of youth in addressing climate challenges.

Winners of the climate-themed quiz competition received prizes and certificates at the closing ceremony.

Among others, BGC Trust University Bangladesh Department of Journalism and Media Studies Chairman Yasir Silmi, Drishti Chattogram Joint Convener Bonkusum Barua, NewsNow24 Chattogram Bureau Chief Partha Pratim Nandi, DBC Television reporter Mujibul Haque, Drishti Chattogram Chief Coordinator Munna Majumder and Joint Coordinator Ridwan Alam Adnan attended the programme.