The country’s largest debate competition concluded at Shahid Sergeant Zahurul Huq Hall of Dhaka University (DU) on Saturday, November 16, 2024. Organized by the House of Debaters (DOH), the three-day event, titled “Savoy Presents 8th Shahid Sergeant Zahurul Huq Memorial Inter-Club Debate Competition 2024,” centered on the theme of the July Revolution.
The competition featured 58 teams from schools, colleges, and universities across the country. Participants engaged in debates on diverse topics, including national and international current affairs, student politics, human civilization's challenges, and economic policies.
Adamjee Cantonment College Debating Club claimed victory by debating the motion, “This parliament will support the proportional representation system in Bangladesh's upcoming elections.” At the university level, Jashim Uddin Hall Debating Club of DU won the championship title.The event was graced by Mohammad Belal Hossain Chowdhury, member (VAT Policy) of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), who served as the chief guest.
He encouraged participants to consider careers in civil service, emphasizing their role in shaping policies and contributing to national development.
Dr. Sayema Haque Bidisha, pro-vice chancellor (Administration) of DU, attended the closing ceremony, alongside Dr. Faruk Shah, provost of Shahid Sergeant Zahurul Huq Hall. Dr. Shah highlighted the significance of rationality and ethics in addressing historical and modern challenges, praising the efforts of DOH in promoting these values.
Arpita Goldar, president of the Dhaka University Debating Society (DUDS), lauded the event's management, while Monem Shahriar Antu, president of DOH, expressed satisfaction with the quality of motions and the event’s overall success.
The competition celebrated critical thinking, reasoning, and dialogue, reinforcing the importance of debate in shaping future leaders.
