Proper use of technology in the field of education is a must for the full development of the potentials of the girl child, said speakers at a debate yesterday.

The parliamentary style debate on "Education, science, information and technology will ensure development of girl child" was jointly organised by National Girl Child Advocacy Forum and Debate for Democracy in the city's Jatiya Press Club.

Speaking at the programme, Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid said social awareness about development of the girl child can be created through practicing debate, which might be included in textbooks as a co-curricular activity.

Advocate Sultana Kamal, former

adviser of a caretaker government, said both women and men need to be made aware on the development of the girl child.

In the present competitive world, technology is a tool for social development. All forms of discrimination against women must be eliminated from society, she added.

ATN Bangla Chairman Dr Mahfuzur Rahman, speaking as the chief guest, said creating awareness about the need for educational programmes to develop potentials of the girl child is a socially important issue.

He said both boys and girls need technology but its abuse must be prevented.

Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Shujan) Secretary Badiul Alam Majumder said education can be

expanded with the easy availability of technology.

He emphasised on the need for science education, which, he said, required private initiatives alongside government attempts.

A team from Dhaka University contested as the treasury bench while that of United International University played the opposition's role, says a press release.

Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron, Prof Dilara Choudhury, National Girl Child Advocacy Forum Secretary Nasima Akhter Jolly and National Debate Federation (NDF) Chairman Tajul Islam Chowdhury Tuhin also spoke at the programme.

NDF General Secretary Mustafizur Rahman presented the programme.