The competition, organised by Debate for Democracy and Disaster Management Bureau with the slogan 'Let the activities for reducing the risk of disasters start from the school', aimed at acquainting school level students about the various tactics for reducing the risks of natural disasters.

Saint Joseph Higher Secondary School clinched the title while Shahid Bir Uttam Lieutenant Anwar Girls' School became runners up while Newazul Kabir of the winning team was adjudicated as the best speaker.

Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Prof SMA Faiz attended the programme as the chief guest and distributed the prize among the winners.

In his speech, Prof Faiz said mass awareness programmes can play a vital role in preventing natural disasters.

Chairman of Debate for Democracy Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiran said that fishermen living on the coastal areas do not follow the weather alert signals that causes huge casualties.

"If we can educate their children by making them aware of the weather alert signals, they can persuade their parents to stay safe during the time of a cyclone".

Acting Secretary General of Disaster Management Bureau AHM Abdullah chaired the programme while its Director Mohammad Abu Sadeq acted as the moderator.