He made the remarks while addressing the closing ceremony of the ‘Betar Debate Competition 2026’, organized by Bangladesh Betar in the capital on Wednesday.

The State Minister said debate helps students enhance their knowledge, reasoning ability, information analysis and presentation skills. However, he emphasized that debates should not become arguments merely for the sake of arguing. The information presented during debates must be accurate, reliable and knowledge-based, he said.

He further said that good academic results alone are not enough in today’s world. Students also need to participate in extracurricular activities, including sports, debate and cultural activities. Such activities play an important role in developing their personality, leadership qualities and creativity.

Yaser Khan Chowdhury said initiatives have been taken to organize nationwide quiz competitions to promote students’ intellectual development. The competitions will be held from the primary to university levels, with plans to broadcast them on Bangladesh Television.

Speaking about sports, he said an initiative has been taken, under the direction of the Prime Minister, to establish one playground in every union and one mini stadium in every upazila. Mini stadiums will gradually be constructed across all upazilas of the country, he added.

The State Minister said the young generation, wherever they live, are all children of Bangladesh and must play their role in the welfare of the country and its people.

He congratulated St. Joseph School, the champion, and Shamsul Haque Khan School, the runners-up, of the ‘Betar Debate Competition 2026’. Later, trophies, certificates and crests were distributed among the members of the winning teams.

Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Md. Shah Alam and Director General of Bangladesh Betar A.S.M. Zahid also addressed the event. The Director General chaired the programme.