DU hosts major youth debate on social protection

With Bangladesh’s future social protection framework under review, hundreds of young debaters from across the country gather at Dhaka University (DU) today, using a national tournament as a platform to engage in discussions on welfare policy and governance reform.

The event, titled “Dhaka IV: Youth Voices for Social Protection”, is organised by the Dhaka University Debating Society (DUDS) in collaboration with the Social Security Policy Support (SSPS) Programme of UNDP Bangladesh, with support from the Australian Government (DFAT).

Held at the Faculty of Business Studies, the competition brings together nearly 400 participants, including debaters, adjudicators and volunteers, reflecting growing youth engagement in policy-oriented dialogue.

Around 50 teams compete across five rounds of debate conducted in both British Parliamentary and Asian Parliamentary formats.

The opening ceremony is attended by DU Proctor Md. Israfil Ratan as chief guest, while UNDP Senior Governance Specialist of UNDP Bangladesh Tanvir Mahmud joins as special guest.

Other distinguished attendees include UNDP Consultant Abdul Barik, DUDS Moderator Prof. Amirus Salat, DUDS President Jubayer Hossain and General Secretary Ragib Anjum.

Speaking at the programme, Israfil Ratan stresses the importance of creating opportunities for young people to engage in discussions on issues that directly affect society and national development.

Abdul Barik says debate platforms focused on public policy help students build analytical capacity and prepare for future leadership and policymaking responsibilities.

Addressing participants, Tanvir Mahmud notes that governments regularly face complex policy decisions involving resource allocation, service delivery and social inclusion.

He adds that issues such as climate change, demographic shifts, technological transformation and labour market changes require informed public engagement and constructive debate.

“The quality of public policy depends, in large part, on the quality of public discourse,” he says, adding that UNDP supports initiatives that encourage evidence-based discussions among young citizens.

Prof. Amirus Salat expresses appreciation for UNDP’s support, stating that investment in youth development will contribute to strengthening Bangladesh’s human capital.

Arju Afrin Kathy, Research Officer of the Social Security Policy Support Programme, says the tournament is held at a significant time as the National Social Security Strategy (NSSS) 2015-2026 approaches its conclusion and preparations begin for its successor framework.

She adds that the initiative aims to incorporate youth perspectives into future discussions on social protection and human development policy.

The organisers confirm that the grand finals of both the British Parliamentary and Asian Parliamentary categories will be held on June 20.