Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon addressed the grand finale and closing ceremony of a national debate competition at a hotel in the capital today. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, June 20, 2026 (BSS)- Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today said the government would take necessary initiatives to include debating as a mandatory subject in the education curriculum and bring it under an institutional framework, describing debate as a key instrument for building a rational and enlightened society. 
 
“Debate is not merely an intellectual pastime; it is a creative process and one of the key instruments for building a healthy society and civilization,” he said while addressing the grand finale and closing ceremony of a national debate competition at a hotel in the capital as the chief guest.

The competition, titled “Dhaka IV: Youth Voices for Social Protection,” was jointly organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Dhaka University Debating Society (DUDS).

Emphasizing the need to foster a healthy culture of debate in the country, the minister said debate continuously stimulates creativity while offering intellectual enjoyment and opportunities for acquiring knowledge.

Referring to various conflicts arising in society and personal life due to the absence of logical discourse, he said debaters are among the nation’s most valuable assets in building a disciplined and rational society. 

Urging for transforming debate into a social movement, Swapon said, “If you can formulate a movement or concrete proposals, I, as a member of the cabinet, will be able to convince the Education Minister and the Prime Minister and play a policy role in bringing debate into the framework of state decisions,” he said.

The minister also noted that the government has already adopted various policies to promote the intellectual and innovative capacities of young people.

At the closing ceremony, he announced the results of the final rounds and the names of the winners.

In the English-medium category, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) emerged champions by defeating North South University and East West University. Faisal B. Raihan of BUET was named as the tournament’s best debater, while Sanzana Zaman of the same university was adjudged as the best speaker of the final.

In the Bangla-medium category, Jahangirnagar University won the championship, while the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) finished as runners-up. Saadat Ibn Islam of Jahangirnagar University was named the best speaker of the final, while Nayem Uddin Rafi of Noakhali Science and Technology University was selected as the tournament’s best debater.

Speaking as a special guest, UNDP Senior Governance Specialist Tanvir Mahmud highlighted the importance of youth engagement in promoting inclusive and evidence-based policy discussions.

Chaired by DUDS President Zubayer Hossain, it was also addressed by DUDS Chief Moderator Professor Dr S.M. Shamim Reza. DUDS General Secretary Ragib Anjum conducted the event. 
Officials from Australian Aid and UNDP, university teachers and invited guests were present at the event. At the end of the programme, the minister distributed prizes among the champion and runner-up teams.