IU Shibir organizes intra-hall debate to mark ‘Islamic Education Day’

An intra-hall parliamentary debate competition, organized by the Islamic University (IU) unit of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, concluded on Thursday as part of its observance of 15 August: Islamic Education Day.

The three-day contest, held on the IU campus in Kushtia, brought together participants from both male and female residential halls.

The final round featured Lalon Shah Hall, representing the government side, and Begum Khaleda Zia Hall Debating Society, representing the opposition, on the motion: “The prevailing education system fails to bring newness to the mentality of students.” The opposition team was declared winner by the panel of judges.

The closing session was chaired by IU Shibir unit president Mahmudul Hasan, with central general secretary Nurul Islam Saddam attending as chief guest.

Judges for the final included former national TV debater Mohammad Khalid Hasan and former IU Debating Society executive member Md. Saifur Rahman. Md. Didarul Islam Russell, secretary of IU Debating Society, acted as speaker, while Sabrina served as timekeeper.

The organizing committee was convened by Hasan-ul Banna Oli, IU Shibir’s international and debate secretary.

A total of eight teams from different halls took part in the competition.

In his remarks, Chief Guest Nurul Islam Saddam highlighted the value of debate in nurturing critical thinking and intellectual growth.

“If a nation is to be built, it must cultivate logic. When people ask why things happen or question the state of their country, that’s when progress begins,” he said.
“Debate builds this mindset. In developed countries, laws are often discussed in shadow parliaments before being passed. University students must gain universal knowledge, and this begins with thoughtful dialogue and debate.”