DRU hosts its first-ever debate competition with 12 teams taking part

The Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) has organised a debate competition for the first time, aiming to broaden journalists' thinking and promote reason-based discussion. The competition has begun on the initiative of the DRU Debating Club and with the cooperation of Debate for Democracy (DFD), with 12 teams from various journalists' organisations taking part.

The inaugural ceremony of the competition was held on Sunday (8 November) at the DRU's Shafiqul Kabir auditorium.

DFD chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron inaugurated the competition as chief guest at the ceremony, which was presided over by DRU president Abu Saleh Akon.

The ceremony was conducted by MM Jasim, convener of the DRU Debating Club and organising secretary of the Dhaka Reporters Unity. DRU general secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel and Professor Tajul Islam Chowdhury, a teacher at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, were present as special guests.

Speakers at the event included DRU senior member Ashish Kumar Dey, DRU Debating Club member secretary Sheikh Md Arif, club executive member Kazi Shahidul Alam, and DRU members Mostafa Mallik, Rashed Rabbi, Monir Hossain, Pratik Ejaz and Sushant Kumar Sinha.

Also present were DRU executive committee finance secretary and Debating Club executive member Niaz Mahmud Sohel, cultural secretary Monowar Hossain and hospitality secretary Aminul Haque Bhuiyan.

The 12 teams taking part in the competition are the Bangladesh Sports Journalist Community, Capital Market Journalists Forum, Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum, Religious Reporters Forum, Bangladesh Agriculture Journalists Forum, Bangladesh Environment Journalists Forum, Bangladesh Agricultural Reporters Forum, Bangladesh Health Reporters Forum, Bangladesh Crime Reporters Association, Education Reporters Association, Supreme Court Reporters Forum and Reporters Against Corruption.

The debate competition will begin in the traditional format at 11am on Saturday, 14 November.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron said debate helps people think in many dimensions, and its importance in broadening thought is immense.

He wished the DRU Debating Club continued growth and promised all kinds of cooperation for such debate competitions in the future.

DRU president Abu Saleh Akon said journalists are always engaged with debate, as they must cross-check any subject before publishing news. He expressed confidence that the DRU Debating Club will further broaden the thinking of its members.

DRU general secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel said the DRU has many fine debaters who are among the best in the country. He hoped the first-ever debate competition would be enjoyable, and extended warm greetings and congratulations to all 12 participating teams.