Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, April 22, 2026 (BSS)- On the occasion of Earth Day, celebrated worldwide, young students in a solo debate competition held in Rajshahi highlighted the importance of local food sovereignty, agro-ecology, and climate justice as responses to the challenges of the global food system.

The event called for engaging youth to build a future generation based on safe food and to further strengthen the environmental protection movement.

Today, to mark Earth Day, a unique solo debate competition was organised at the SK Food Seminar Hall through the joint initiative of Green Coalition, BARCIK, and Barendra Youth Forum.

The topic of the debate was, Global Food System vs. Local Food Sovereignty: Where Lies the Sustainable Solution?
 
The main objective of the event was to raise awareness among youth about agroecology, climate justice, food sovereignty, and the sustainable development of local food systems, and to strengthen the social movement for building a future generation and planet based on safe food.
 
The program was presided over by former Vice-Chancellor of North Bengal International University Professor Bidhan Chandra Das. Former president of RUET Debating Club Jannatul Mawa Ananya and BARCIK regional coordinator Shahidul Islam served as judges.

The entire event was moderated by president of Barendra Youth Forum Atiqur Rahman Atik.
Young students from various educational institutions in Rajshahi participated in the debate competition. Based on logic, data, and analysis, the judges announced the results.

First place was secured by Tahmid Arif, a member of the Rajshahi Collegiate School Debating Club. Second place went to Arrafi Siraji Antar, a member of the Rajshahi University Group of Liberal Debating Club. Third place was awarded to Sumaiya Sanjida, a member of the Rajshahi College Mirror Debating Club.