Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Monday announced that 10 streets in Dhaka will be declared horn-free starting January, as part of an initiative to reduce noise pollution in the capital.

The announcement was made at the Grand Finale of the “Shahid Selim BUFT National Debate Competition – 2024,” hosted at BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology in Uttara.

She asked all to drive responsibly and reduce horn use while driving vehicles, and highlighted the crucial role of youth in raising public awareness on issues like environment and climate change.

The adviser said today’s youth will build tomorrow’s Bangladesh.

She urged young people to contribute to creating an eco-friendly country by fostering problem-solving skills based on accurate information, critical thinking and creativity.

Rizwana said debates sharpen communication skills, analytical abilities and perspectives on problem-solving.

Faruque Hassan, Chairman of the University Board of Trustees; Nasir Uddin Chowdhury, trustee member; and Professor Dr Engineer Ayub Nabi Khan, BGMEA University Pro-Vice Chancellor; also spoke.

This year’s competition included 32 university and 32 college teams. In the university category, Dhaka University Debating Society won the championship, with Jahangirnagar University Debating Society and North South University Debating Society as first and second runners-up, respectively.

In the college category, Adamjee Cantonment College won the championship, followed by Bangladesh Navy College and Mirpur Cantonment College as first and second runners-up.