Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today said the government is seriously considering the inclusion of debate in the academic curriculum.

"To cope with the rapidly changing world, our youth must develop analytical ability and free thinking. For this, debate practice should be encouraged in educational institutions so that students do not accept anything blindly," he said.

"To enhance students' creativity and analytical skills, the government is seriously considering the inclusion of debate in the academic curriculum," he added.

The minister made the remarks at a prize-giving ceremony of a debate competition held at Dhaka Residential Model College this afternoon.

Delivering the chief guest's speech, he said creativity is a must for critical understanding. "Critical thinking fulfils the purpose of education and helps in the real application of knowledge," he added.

He urged students to be progressive and develop their thinking in line with the times. "If we can become progressive institutionally, there will be no gap between new media and traditional media," he said.

Principal of the college Brig Gen Mohammad Jaber Hossain presided over the ceremony.