An Open Platform for Bangla Debaters

The Communications Club of North South University (NSUCC) hosted a series of Bangla debating events under the label of "NSU Dialogue" from August 31 to September 3. NSU Dialogue featured an interactive debate workshop, a public speaking competition and an open Bangla debate tournament. All three events were attended by participants from various schools, colleges and universities of the country. 

DEBATE WORKSHOP 1.0 
This day-long workshop on the fundamentals of Bangla debate was held on the on August 31 at AUDI 801 of North South University. The workshop was divided into eight sessions, each of which was conducted by renowned debaters of past and the present. The expert trainers shared their invaluable experience with the audience, which was mainly comprised of school students, and shed light on Bangla debating techniques and strategies that would allow aspiring debaters to develop their skills.

The chief economist for Bangladesh Bank, Dr. Biru Paksha Paul, attended the workshop along with some of the biggest names in the Bangla debate circuit including Sohan Mohaimenul, Dr. Abdun Nur Tushar, Yasin Shafi, Nasir Uddin, Imran Raza, Mahbubul Islam Saikat and Zehad Al Mehdi. 

At the end of the workshop, the students took part in an examination where they were quizzed on the lessons they had learned during the interactive grooming sessions. 

BAROARI DEBATE FESTIVAL
On September 1, NSU's Communications Club organised an open public speaking competition named "Baroari Debate Festival" that served as a precursor to NSU Dialogue's open debate tournament. The competition was split into two separate categories - one intended for the school and college students and another one for university students. 

Speakers from schools and colleges were assigned the topic "Ebar Khela Hobe". As expected, they were able to deduce multiple interpretations of this commonly used colloquial phrase. Some students related the phrase with anti-social activities such as eve teasing. Others were able to see the hidden patriotism behind the words and link it with the struggles of the Liberation War of 1971. 

Participants from numerous universities were asked to speak on the topic "Keu Rukhte Parbe Na". Much like their junior counterparts, the university students came up with a wide range of meanings for these four simple words. Some students associated the phrase with the resilience of the people of Bangladesh. Others came up with darker interpretations and drew connections between the phrase and one's unrestrained desire to engage in abuse, oppression and tyranny. 

OPEN BANGLA DEBATE TOURNAMENT 
The open bangle debate tournament was the focus of NSU Dialogue 2016. Teams consisting of participants from various backgrounds added to the diversity of the event and made it one of the most intense Bangla debate competitions in recent memory. The tournament commenced on September 2 and continued till the following day before an extended pause was announced. 

The Grand Finale of the competition is scheduled to be held on September 17, 2016. NSU Communications Club is currently expecting the Home Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, Asaduzzaman Khan, to attend the event in person. 

SHOUT is the sole media partner of NSU Dialogue 2016.