DU Correspondent 

As part of the observance of “World Interfaith Harmony Week,” the 6th Interfaith Harmony Debate Festival organized at Dhaka University concluded on Tuesday at the Professor Mozzafar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium.

Farida Akhter, Adviser to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, was present as the chief guest, and Prof  Dr. Saima Haque Bidisha, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) of Dhaka University, attended as the special guest. The event was organized by the World Religions Debating Club of Dhaka University.

The closing ceremony was presided over by Asma Sultana Liza, President of the World Religions Debating Club. Notable speakers included Prof  Dr. Md. Abu Sayem, Chair of the Department of World Religions and Culture, Prof  Dr. Mohammad Elias, Director of the Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue, Md. Didarul Islam, Moderator of the World Religions Debating Club, Zubayer Hossain, President of Dhaka University Debating Society, Ragib Anjum, General Secretary of the society and Zia Uddin Mahmud, Chief Operating Officer of Creative Business Group.

Renowned writer and river researcher Sheikh Rokon presented the keynote paper titled “River and Religion in the Evolution of Civilization.”
Associate Professor Dr. Shahidul Hasan from the History Department also took part in the discussion.
The event was conducted by Nuruddin Muhammad, General Secretary of the Club.

Professor Dr. Saima Haque Bidisha emphasized that debate plays a significant role in enhancing interpersonal communication and critical thinking. She highlighted the deep interconnection between rivers, religion, nature, and people, praising the organizers for choosing such thoughtful themes for the debate. Stressing the importance of interfaith harmony, she noted that the success of the July uprising was possible due to the participation of people from all religions and communities. She called upon the youth to build a logical and humane society while maintaining this harmony.

Chief Guest Farida Akhter emphasized the importance of debating practices in guiding society toward the right path and encouraged students to expand their engagement in debate. She also stressed the strong cultural and lifestyle bond of the Bangladeshi people with rivers and urged collective efforts to preserve rivers, nature, the environment, and biodiversity.