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The Robi-Drishty Debate Championship 2026, one of Bangladesh’s largest debating competitions, began in Chattogram on Friday with the participation of 56 educational institutions from across the country.
The competition was inaugurated at a ceremony at the Theatre Institute Auditorium, marking the 31st Inter-School and 20th Inter-University Debate Competition organised by Drishty Chattogram.
Sponsored by Robi Axiata PLC, the championship features 32 schools from the Chattogram metropolitan area and 24 universities and debating clubs from different parts of the country. The competition will conclude with the final round and closing ceremony on October 9.
Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain inaugurated the event as chief guest.
Barrister Shahed Alam, chief corporate and regulatory officer of Robi Axiata PLC; corporate personality and lyricist Asif Iqbal; Sheikh Mainul Islam, senior cluster market director at Robi; and Mahfuz Sobhan Ronnie, general manager of sustainability at Robi, attended as special guests.
Drishty Chattogram Founder Masud Bakul presided over the opening ceremony. Kashshaful Huq Shehzad, chairman of the Tournament Committee; Saifuddin Munna, convener; Saber Shah, tournament director; and former Drishty Chattogram president Saif Chowdhury also addressed the event.
In his inaugural address, Mayor Shahadat Hossain stressed the importance of developing logical thinking and knowledge among students.
“Debate is not merely a competition, but one of the most effective platforms for developing logic, tolerance and leadership qualities,” he said.
Barrister Shahed Alam highlighted Robi’s 16 consecutive years of association with the competition as its sponsor.
“Robi believes that if the innate imagination of people is nurtured properly, it can bring great value to the nation,” he said.
Asif Iqbal encouraged young people to develop structured reasoning, take part in cultural activities and respect opposing views. He said the habit of analysing issues logically was essential for personal development and navigating life.
Masud Bakul highlighted Drishty Chattogram’s long-standing contribution to debate culture, noting that the organisation has been arranging inter-school debates for 31 years and inter-university debates for 20 years.
He also expressed gratitude to Robi Axiata for its 16-year partnership with the organisation.
Organisers said the participation of leading young debaters from across the country would further strengthen Chattogram’s long-standing debate culture.
The opening ceremony was attended by senior organisers and members of various tournament committees, including Shahidul Islam, Jewel Ahmed, Sadman Sakib Jisan, Sumaiya Islam, Munna Mumdar, Dr Yasin Sakib, Junaid Asad, Mujibul Huq, Mehraj Bin Alam and Arafat Kabir.