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Sunday | September 27, 2026 | Dhaka

Moyeen Khan opens National Debate Festival at DU

 Staff Reporter
 Published: 12:01 AM, 27 September 2026

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan has urged students to take part in debating, cultural and other creative activities alongside their academic studies to develop the skills needed for future leadership.

He said combining academic education with co-curricular activities was essential for producing capable citizens and future leaders.

The minister made the remarks as the chief guest at the opening ceremony of the DUDS-ActionAid National Debate Festival 2026, organised by the Dhaka University Debating Society (DUDS) in collaboration with ActionAid at the TSC Auditorium of Dhaka University on Saturday.

He formally inaugurated the competition, which features 24 teams from universities across the country.
Moyeen Khan said students were the country’s future leaders and would assume responsibilities in different sectors over the next 10, 15 or 20 years.

“They have to start preparing themselves for the future from now. Even if they play a role in politics, social affairs or the economy, they must not neglect their studies in any way,” he said.

He said debating helped students develop logical thinking, express their views effectively and build leadership skills.

However, merely taking part in debate competitions was not enough, he said, urging students to participate in different creative and co-curricular activities to broaden their knowledge and skills.

Recalling his student life, the minister said he had participated in debate competitions while studying at Fazlul Huq Hall at Dhaka University nearly 60 years ago.

He recalled representing the hall and becoming champion for three consecutive years.
Moyeen Khan said students had a particular strength in speaking out against injustice and irregularities.

“Throughout the history of Bangladesh, students have played an important role in bringing about change at different times,” he said, urging young people to use that strength and sense of responsibility positively.

The minister also stressed the importance of quality education and universities in national development.
“A country can move forward in the long run only on the strength of knowledge, research and education,” he said.

He called on teachers and students to properly discharge their respective responsibilities to uphold the tradition of Dhaka University.

Thanking DUDS for organising the festival, Moyeen Khan said the organisation should go beyond arranging debate competitions and become an effective platform for promoting academic and co-curricular activities at the university.

Such efforts, he said, could help develop a new generation equipped with knowledge, skills, values and leadership qualities and enable them to contribute to raising Bangladesh’s standing globally.