Rangpur, Nov (V7N) – Government officials and anti-corruption activists called Tuesday for strengthening extracurricular activities to foster awareness against corruption among young students, as a means to liberate the nation from corruption.
They expressed these views at the award distribution function of the "Anti-Corruption Debates, Art, Patriotic Songs, Quizzes, and Essay Competitions-2026" held at the Shilpokola Academy auditorium in the city.
The District Corruption Prevention Committee (DCPC), in collaboration with the District Combined Office of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), organised the function to distribute prizes to young students who emerged as winners in anti-corruption debates, arts, patriotic music, quizzes and essay competitions held throughout 2026 under the auspices of the DCPC.
In the final round of the debate held on Tuesday, centred on the theme "A lack of values and patriotism is the root cause of corruption," Rangpur Police Lines School & College emerged as champion, defeating Rangpur Cantonment Public School & College.
With President of the Rangpur DCPC Dr Nasima Akter in the chair, Deputy Commissioner Israt Jahan attended the event and distributed prizes among winner-students of different competitions as the chief guest.
Director of the ACC's Rangpur Divisional Office Moha Nurul Huda, its Deputy Director Abu Hena Ashikur Rahman and Deputy Director of the ACC's Rangpur Integrated District Office Md Shawon Mia addressed the event as special guests. Member of Rangpur DCPC Maksudar Rahman Mukul directed a cultural function, while General Secretary of Rangpur DCPC Md Belal Ahmed moderated the programme.
Addressing the discussion, Deputy Director of the ACC Md Shawon Mia said corruption is an enemy to social and national progress. "With the goal of ridding society of corruption, we should instill good habits and moral values in the younger generation from an early age, so that they may grow into exemplary citizens," he said.
Director of the ACC Moha Nurul Huda said addressing corruption is not the responsibility of any single individual, but a collective duty for all. He encouraged the youth to dream big, but never at the expense of their principles or morality.
The chief guest commended the implementation of "Integrity Units" in schools — aimed at fostering moral values, honesty and patriotism among young students — as well as the co-curricular activities designed to combat corruption. She emphasised the importance of cultivating strong moral character in students and instilling patriotism in them to stand against corruption and contribute to building a corruption-free Bangladesh.
