BDF awards debaters, institutions

Winners of Bangladesh Debate Federation awards at the award giving ceremony held at the British Council auditorium in the city yesterday. PHOTO: STAR

The federation also honoured three renowned persons -- Prof Dr Sirajul Islam Chowdhury, Prof Syed Manzoorul Islam and Editor of The Daily Star Mahfuz Anam -- with Lifetime Achievement Award at the function held at the British Council auditorium in the city.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prof Sirajul Islam Chowdhury recalled the role of Dhaka University in developing the debating culture after the independence.

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"But when the autocratic ruler came to power, our cultural activities, including debate, came to a halt," he said, adding that the universities are now hostage to two major political parties.

Prof Syed Manzoorul Islam said debate helps develop a logical mind which is a must for building an enlightened society.

"Currently our society is passing through an intolerant period with no respect for others' views," he said.

Mahfuz Anam said debate is a discipline that helps a person think in a logical way.

"Debate is an intellectual journey and it makes a person's thoughts clearer," he added.

Six educational institutions form the six divisions were awarded at the ceremony. These institutions are Jagannath College from Dhaka division, Drishti from Chittagong division, Rajshahi University from Rajshahi division, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology from Sylhet division, Barisal Medical College from Barisal division and Khulna University from Khulna University.

The University of Dhaka was given a special award for its contribution to the debating arena.

Khaleda Akhter Rozy and Asif Shahan of Dhaka University were adjudged the debaters of the year.

St. Joseph High School Debating Club and Holy Cross School Debating Club received performance and critic awards respectively at the school level.

Scholastica and Sunbeams got critic and performance awards in English debate.

At the college level, Viqarunnisa College and Notre Dame College debating clubs were awarded as the best clubs.

At the university level, North South University and East West University debating clubs were adjudged the best clubs.