Inter-University Debate: Practice of Civic Responsibility in Barishal through the Voice of Youth

Aiming to encourage the role of youth and the practice of civic responsibility in a democratic society, the ‘Inter-University Debate Competition 2025’ was held throughout the day yesterday (14 November) in Barishal, an initiative of Lal Sobuj Society. The theme of this competition, organized at the open stage of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Barishal was “Youth Voice and Civic Responsibility in a Democratic Society.”

The debate competition, which started at 10:30 AM, was held under the ‘Reclaiming Civic Space through Dialogue & Citizen Journalism’ project, funded by the ‘Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’ and supported by ‘The Asia Foundation.’

Debaters from Brojomohan College, University of Global Village, Barishal University, and Sher-e-Bangla Medical College in Barishal participated in the competition. After two phases of preliminary rounds in the daylong program, the top two teams faced each other in the final.

The main topics of discussion in the debate were centred on public interest and citizen rights. Among these, notable issues included the right to information, waste management, and safe roads. Besides the participants, student representatives from various educational institutions and members of the civil society in Barishal were present to support this youth initiative.

A debater participating in the event said, “While debating challenging public interest issues like Right to Information or Safe Roads, we realized that through logic and argument, we can positively influence our society.”

The judges present at this debate stage were A S M Akramul Huda Bappy, a former debater of American International University Bangladesh; Kazi Nishat Anjum Shemonti, former president of Kushtia Debating Society; and Shamsun Nahar Popy, lecturer at Chawlakathi Islamia Fazil Madrasa. Dr. Md. Shamim Ahsan, Assistant Director (Associate Professor) of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education in Barishal, was present as the speaker of the debate. The Additional Police Commissioner of Barishal was also present at the event.

Momena Sifa Rumki, Project Officer of Lal Sobuj Society, said, “The main objective of organizing this debate competition is to encourage the youth to practice giving logical opinions and becoming responsible citizens. This is not just a debate stage but an effective step towards building conscious and responsible leadership for the future.”

The day-long debate competition program concluded with the prize-giving ceremony at 5 PM.