Dhaka: The sixth edition of the Interfaith Harmony Debate Festival at Dhaka University (DU) concluded at the Professor Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium, celebrating ‘World Interfaith Harmony Week’. The event was graced by Fisheries and Livestock Ministry Adviser Farida Akhter as the chief guest, with DU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Sayema Haque Bidisha attending as a special guest. The festival was organized by the World Religions Debating Club.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event featured a keynote paper by renowned writer and river researcher Sheikh Rokon, titled “River and Religion in Evolution of Civilization”. The discussion was enriched by contributions from History Department Associate Professor Dr. Shahidul Hasan. The session was chaired by World Religions Debating Club President Asma Sultana Liza and saw participation from several notable figures, including Department Chairperson Professor Dr. Md. Abu Sayeem, Centre for Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue Director Professor Dr. Mohammad Elias, club moderator Md. Didarul Islam, Dhaka University Debating Society (DUDS) President Jubayer Hossain, DUDS General Secretary Ragib Anjum, and Creative Business Group Chief Operating Officer Zia Uddin Mahmud. The proceedings were conducted by Club General Secretary Nuruddin Muhammad.
Adviser Farida Akhter highlighted the significance of debate practice, urging students to engage more in debates to steer society in the right direction. She underscored the intrinsic connection between rivers and Bangladeshi culture and called for joint efforts to protect rivers, nature, environment, and biodiversity.
Pro-VC Bidisha spoke on the essential role of debates in fostering interpersonal communication and critical thinking skills, emphasizing the deep ties between rivers, religion, nature, and humanity. She referenced the success of the July Uprising, which was bolstered by the participation of people from various religious and ethnic backgrounds, reinforcing religious and social unity. She encouraged the youth to uphold this harmony in their quest to build a reason-based, humane society.
The debate competition saw participation from 32 teams across different universities. The Faculty of Veterinary Science team from Bangladesh Agricultural University emerged as the champions, while the Dhaka University Law Department team secured the runner-up position.