A debate competition on the theme “Fossil fuels are not the solution; only renewable energy can combat climate change” was held at the auditorium of Patharghata College on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. The event was jointly organized by Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra (DHORA) and Waterkeepers Bangladesh.

Students from the 11th grade and 1st year Honors classes participated in the competition, forming proposition and opposition teams. The opposition team won the debate, with their team leader Afrin Jahan Tonni being awarded the Best Speaker title.

The program was presided over by Chandra Shekhar Swarnakar, Vice Principal of Patharghata College. Mohammad Mohsin Kabir, Principal of the college, attended as the Chief Guest. Other distinguished attendees included Lecturers Ahsan Habib Laki, Al Mamun, Md. Sabbir, Jamal Hossain, and social activist Mehedi Shikder.

The event opened with a welcome speech by Shafiqul Islam Khokon, coastal investigative journalist, researcher, and DHORA’s Patharghata Coordinator.

At the end of the event, all participants from both the winning and runner-up teams were presented with valuable books. The program was moderated by Lecturer Al Mamun.