The Cox’s Bazar District Public Library organised its first-ever friendly debate competition on Sunday as part of the government’s 180-day action plan under the guidance of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and the Directorate of Public Libraries.
The debate centred on the motion: ‘Textbooks or Other Books?’
Cox’s Bazar Central Government Primary School argued in favour of the motion, while Baharchhara Government Primary School opposed it.
The young debaters presented arguments and counterarguments on the importance of textbooks, formal education, character building and the value of reading beyond the prescribed curriculum. Both teams highlighted the role of textbooks and supplementary reading in promoting knowledge, developing reading habits and shaping students’ personalities.
Based on the judges’ assessment, Cox’s Bazar Central Government Primary School emerged as the winner, scoring 105 out of 135 marks.
Ahmed Al Samir, team leader of Baharchhara Government Primary School, was named the competition’s best speaker.
The organisers said the event aimed to encourage reading habits among students, promote a balance between textbooks and extracurricular reading, and establish the public library as an open centre for learning and knowledge.
They added that while formal education eventually comes to an end, books remain one of the most important lifelong learning resources, with public libraries playing a vital role in fostering knowledge and intellectual development.
Retired District Education Officer Md Nasir Uddin attended the event as the chief guest.
The judging panel comprised retired District Children Affairs Officer Md Ahsanul Haque, journalist Mir Md Sohel Rana from Beach TV Cox’s Bazar, and TTN journalist Dipen Das.
The programme was chaired and moderated by District Public Library Librarian Md Masud Rana.
The event was attended by 66 students from the two government primary schools, along with teachers, guardians and library readers.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Courtesy
