Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain has said that science has advanced significantly, with robotic surgery already being performed. He expressed hope that robots would one day clean the streets of Bangladesh, adding that the day was not far away.

He stressed the importance of publishing accurate information in the fields of information and technology, saying that society and the nation cannot make sound decisions without reliable information. He also said Samakal was working to build a new generation that is scientifically minded and rational.

The mayor made the remarks as the chief guest at the Chattogram divisional award ceremony of the BFF-Samakal National School Science Debate Competition on Saturday, October 24, at Bangladesh Mahila Samiti High School and College in Chattogram.

Seven school debate teams from across the Chattogram division took part in the competition. Sonagazi Md. Chaber Government Model Pilot High School from Feni emerged as the champion, while Lakshmipur Government Girls’ High School finished as the runner-up. Afsana Halim Tisha, a student from the champion team, was named the best debater.

The other participating institutions were Monghor Residential School and College in Rangamati, Bak Khali High School in Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban Ideal School, Halishahar Cantonment Public School and College in Chattogram, and Noakhali Government Girls’ High School.

Addressing the participants, Mayor Shahadat Hossain said winning and losing were part of competitions, but everyone needed to keep moving forward. Both winning and losing teams should review where they gained or lost marks during the debates and prepare themselves better for future competitions. He urged students to enlighten themselves through science.

Special guest Engineer Belayet Hossain, chairman of the Chattogram Development Authority (CDA), said scientific progress had brought the world within people’s reach. He urged students to learn more about science, describing the future as an era of scientific advancement. According to him, those who engage more in scientific learning will progress further.

He also praised Chattogram for its mountains, sea and greenery, but criticised the destruction of the environment through hill cutting and construction. He said hill cutting must stop, canals must not be occupied for housing, and roads must not be encroached upon by altering approved designs.

Belayet Hossain further observed that Bangladeshis often obey laws when they travel abroad but fail to maintain the same standards at home. He called for an end to this attitude.

The programme was chaired by Sarwar Suman, Chattogram regional editor of Samakal. Other speakers included Mohammad Ariful Hasan Chowdhury, principal of Bangladesh Mahila Samiti High School and College; Sazzadur Rahman Chowdhury, executive director of the Bangladesh Freedom Foundation (BFF); Md. Asaduzzaman, divisional editor of Samakal Suhṛid Samabesh; and Masud Bakul, founding debater of Drishti Chattogram, among others.