Published: 14 September 2024
Everything was set, adjudicators were ready, and there was pin-drop silence among the audience; everyone was eager to hear the final fiery debate of the Inter-University Anti-Corruption Debate Competition 2024. The two final teams were from the country’s most reputed public universities— The University of Dhaka and Jagannath University. As soon as the clock struck, the debate began on the motion: “In the backdrop of the recent uprising, this House supports the reformation of the Constitution, not its amendment.”
After one hour of witty exchanges and sharp logical arguments between the two teams, the final round concluded with Jagannath University emerging as the champion, and the University of Dhaka finishing as the runner-up. The fellow teams and audience cheered them on for the breathtaking Parliamentary-style debate they had just witnessed. The best debater of the tournament was Maien Al Mubassir from Jagannath University, while Ragib Anjum from the University of Dhaka was named the best debater of the final.
Public and Private University Participation
The three-day national-level debate was organized by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) at the CCDB Hope Center in Savar from 12 to 14 September 2024. The aim was to encourage young minds to address issues of irregularities, anomalies, and corruption, fostering transparency, accountability, and good governance in rebuilding a New Bangladesh. The event saw the participation of 32 public and private universities, selected through a rigorous selection process for the anti-corruption debate. A total of 87 debates took place during the event.
A Platform for Free Expression and Networking
The event provided a space for young debaters to speak freely and share their views on issues related to the economic crisis, contemporary political situations, reformation policies for a New Bangladesh, and more. On the first day, an anti-corruption oath ceremony was held for the debaters to instill the spirit of fighting corruption. The session was conducted by TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman.
