Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, May 14, 2026 (BSS) - Speakers at a debate competition said raising awareness and ensuring a safe environment for children are essential, and educational institutions must play an effective role in this regard.

The debate competition was organized at the Mohonpur Upazila Parishad Hall Room in the district today to observe “Blue Umbrella Day 2026” and raise awareness on child protection and the prevention of sexual violence against boys.

The event was arranged by the Association for Community Development (ACD) with support from the global alliance Family for Every Child under the theme: “Negligence of Society and Institutions Has Kept Sexual Abuse against Boys Invisible.”

Addressing the event as the chief guest, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Fahima Binte Akhter said families, educational institutions, and society must work together to ensure child protection. Boys can also become victims of sexual violence, but the issue often remains hidden.

Moderating the debate session, ACD Project Coordinator Subrata Kumar Paul said debate is not only a competition; it also plays a vital role in developing students into conscious, logical, and responsible citizens.

The judging panel included Youth Development Officer Said Ali Reza, Upazila Academic Supervisor Abdul Matin, and President of the Mohonpur Anti-Corruption Committee Ashad Ali.

They emphasized the need to break the social silence surrounding violence against boys and called for stronger coordination between families and institutions.

In the traditional debate competition, Baksimoil High School participated as the proposition team, while Mohobbotpur High School joined as the opposition team. The students presented well-structured arguments focusing on child protection, prevention of sexual violence, social responsibility, and the importance of awareness.

Based on the quality of arguments, information, and analytical presentation, Mohobbotpur High School emerged as the champion of the debate competition.

Speakers at the event further emphasized that youth engagement, awareness-building, and collective social initiatives are crucial to preventing violence against boys. They noted that only through joint efforts can a safe and protective society for every child be ensured.

More than 100 students and teachers attended the programme, and all debate participants were awarded honorary crests.