Feature
A celebration of logic
Arif Ashraf Nayan
 Debaters from all over the country congregated at 'Mukta Mancha' the cultural centre of Jahangir Nagar University for celebrating the 1st Artisan Cup National Debate Federation Bangladesh Inter University and Medical College Debate competition 2006. For the first time in the history of Bangladesh debaters from private, public and medical colleges participated in the same platform competing against each other.
The debate competition was hosted by Jahangir Nagar University Debating Organization with co-operation from NDF Bangladesh. The three day long event induced a festive environment in the JU campus with the presence of the enthusiastic debaters. Among the 25 participating universities were Dhaka University Debating Society, BUET, Shahjalal university of science and technology, Kushtia Islamic University, Rajshahi Medical College, Begum Khaleda Zia Medical College, Eastern University, Daffodil University and Chittagong University. The event was inaugurated by Mr. A.K.M. Shoiab, the Chairman of NDF Bangladesh and ex- president of Dhaka University Debating Society. After the inauguration a colorful rally was organized by the students. However, before the day of the event a briefing session was organized followed by a 'Pitha Mela' in the natural back drop of the JU Campus which was aimed to energize the participating teams.
 The essence of the debate encompassed around the recent socio political scenario, current affairs and globalization. In the first round the competing teams were Jahangir Nagar University and Comilla University College and the topic of the debate was “ Foreign aid is useful for developing countries like Bangladesh” and the debaters highlighted on issues
regarding the proper usage and allocation of the aid and on the roles of the relevant authorities.
However, the honorable Vice Chancellor of Jahangir Nagar University Prof. Khondakar Mustahidur Rahman was present as the chief guest and officially inaugurated the competition in the evening. In his speech he appreciated the organizing of this type of competition where the students get opportunity to express their views and opinions in a logical manner and also highlighted the importance of debate for developing the intellectual faculty of the students. The special guest of the event was pro vice chancellor of Jahangir Nagar University Prof.Md. Enamul Haque Khan.
The semi final and final was held on the last day of the tournament, and the participants were Jahangir Nagar University Shongshoptak, Jahangir Nagar University Amar Ekushey, Dhaka University Debating Society and Kushtia Islamic University. However, the two teams from Jahangir Nagar University fought its way up to the final round where the topic of the debate was “ Social investment in the form of micro credit will be the chief agenda for development in this century.” In this round the debater highlighted on the theories of Dr. Yunus and focused on how the concept of micro credit has opened a new dimension in alleviating poverty in the global context. After a tough competition Jahangir Nagar Amar Ekushey team was victorious.
A public speaking competition was also held among the debaters of the participating universities and the topic was “ Receiving the Nobel Peace Prize…….” The closing ceremony was held at the Mukta Mancha. Prof. Dr. Asaduzzaman the chairman of University Grants Commission was present as the Chief guest who awarded the winning teams. Among the other distinguished guests were Prof.A.F.M. Yusuf Haider the honourable pro vice chancellor of Dhaka University and Prof. Atikur Rahman moderator of Jahangir Nagar Unversity Debating Organization.
The event was concluded by a cultural show organized by the students of Jahangir nagar University. National Debate Federation Bangladesh is relentless working for promoting debate in the grass root level of Bangladesh with the aim to develop intellectual faculty of the young generation through the practice of value based logical self expression and debate.
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