They said a healthy debate on the issue can help show the right way to overcome the crisis.

The debate competition was organised by Bangladesh Debate Federation (BDF) at the German Cultural Centre in the city.

The BDF organised the debate titled 'Inter-University Human Rights Debate Championship 2005' ahead of the International Human Rights Day on December 10.

Speaking as chief guest at the inaugural session, Prof Serajul Islam said a topic like human rights is rarely picked up for a debate competition.

"I appreciate the organiser for choosing this kind of issue for a debate competition," he added.

Prof Islam said, "We have to understand the human rights issue from the core of our heart."

Speaking at the concluding session, Prof Md Jafar Iqbal said, "Though the country had achieved first position in corruption for five times, we must always keep in mind that there are 98 percent good people in our country."

"We shall have to disseminate the information that the power of 98 percent people is more stronger than two percent corrupt people, and this initiative will have to be taken by the young debaters," he added.

Eight universities took part in the debate championship.

These are Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University, Chittagong University, Khulna University, Rajshahi University, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Barisal Medical College and Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet.

Of them, Dhaka University and Shahjalal University of Science and Technology have been selected for the final round which will be held at the Chittagong centre of the Institutions of Engineers, Bangladesh on December 10.

Susan Ward of the Academy for Educational Development (AED) and Bangladesh Human Rights Advocacy Programme (BHRAP) also spoke at the inaugural session presided over by BDF President Bulbul Hasan.