BDF dialogic grand slam of school-college debate comes to a close

The Bangladesh Debate Federation (BDF) proudly concluded the BDF Dialogic 2025—School-College Chapter today with a vibrant prize-giving ceremony.

The event marked the end of a two-day journey that brought together the sharpest young debaters from 40 schools and colleges nationwide in a powerful celebration of logic, dialogue, and intellectual courage.

The closing ceremony was held in Dhaka, where Plaban Gongopaddhay, President of BDF, was joined by Professor Dr Moniruzzaman, Vice Chancellor of Stamford University Bangladesh, and Zehad Al Mehedi, General Secretary of BDF, as distinguished guests of honour. The event concluded with heartfelt reflections, the crowning of champions, and a renewed commitment to expanding the reach and relevance of youth-led debate in Bangladesh.

This year's championship culminated in triumphs across multiple categories. Dhaka Residential Model College emerged as the champion in a remarkable ideas, passion, and persuasion showdown. Adamjee Cantonment College became the runner-up in the Open Category, demonstrating outstanding team synergy and critical engagement. Meanwhile, Monipur High School & College claimed the championship title in the School Category. Dhaka Residential Model College became the runner-up, reinforcing its stature as one of the most promising institutions nurturing future leaders through debate.

In a testament to BDF's inclusive mission to decentralise debate and empower new voices, Faridpur Zilla School made history by becoming the champion of the Novice Category, surpassing RAJUK Uttara Model College in a thrilling final round. This category was introduced to give emerging teams a national stage to prove their mettle, and they did not disappoint. Mushfiqur Rahman Sifat from Savar Cantonment Public School & College received the Debater of the Tournament Award.

At the event, Plaban Gongopaddhay praised all participating teams for their commitment to rational dialogue, respectful disagreement, and civic curiosity. "Dialogic is more than a tournament — it's a movement," he said. "It's about building a future where young people don't shy away from difficult questions but rise to answer them with dignity, courage, and thought. We are here to nurture good debaters and good citizens — individuals unafraid to ask difficult questions can defend their ideas with integrity and listen with empathy. Through this platform, we're 

Building a generation that doesn't run from complexity, but rises to it with courage, logic, and ethical purpose."

Professor Dr Moniruzzaman, Vice Chancellor of Stamford University Bangladesh, applauded the intellectual discipline displayed throughout the event and reiterated the need for more institutions to invest in co-curricular excellence that strengthens critical thinking and democratic values among youth.

Zehad Al Mehedi, General Secretary of BDF, commended the organising team and adjudicators, highlighting how a youth-driven initiative like Dialogic is shaping a new generation of socially conscious, intellectually equipped citizens.
A hallmark of this year's event was its bold commitment to informed democracy, reformation of the education system, inclusivity, policy insight, and environmental consciousness, made possible through the strategic collaboration with The Earth as the strategic partner and the Institute of Informatics and Development (IID) as the policy partner.

IID, known for its work in evidence-based policy and youth civic engagement, provided critical input in shaping debate topics rooted in real-world policy relevance. By engaging students in simulations of policy dilemmas and development discourse, IID ensured the competition was intellectually stimulating and socially meaningful. At the same time, The Earth, a leading youth-led organisation advancing climate justice and sustainability, brought a powerful lens to the Dialogic — encouraging participants to view debate not just as performance but as advocacy for a more equitable, resilient future. Their partnership infused the event with environmental urgency and ethical consciousness, strengthening the theme of debate as a tool for social change.

Adding to the event's collaborative spirit, Utpal Karmakar, Executive Director of Express Events, expressed pride in partnering with BDF for this year's edition. He emphasised the importance of supporting platforms that engage and inspire the next generation of thought leaders. "This partnership reflects our belief that when young people are given the stage, they do not just speak — they lead," he remarked.

BDF Dialogic 2025 has once again proven that debate is not merely a competition but a catalyst for personal growth, civic engagement, and national progress. With over 40 to 60 interested teams, countless logics of transformation, and debates that sparked new perspectives, the event ends not with closure but with momentum, driving forward BDF's mission to democratise access to meaningful dialogue across all corners of the country.