BUTEX hosts national Bangla BP debate tournament

The national Bangla British Parliamentary debate tournament, 'Tontujal 2026', sponsored by Auko-Tex, concluded at Bangladesh University of Textiles (BUTEX) on 9 May.

The two-day event, held on 8–9 May, was organised and overseen by the BUTEX Debating Club.

Centred on the theme, 'The Bengal Subah: Echoes of the Mughal Age', the tournament highlighted Bengal's Mughal-era heritage.

The event celebrated the artistic, architectural, cultural and intellectual legacy of Subah Bangla during the Mughal period.

Throughout the tournament, the Mughal-era influence resonated through a blend of history, heritage and intellectual discourse.

The competition drew participation from around 44 teams and over 100 debaters representing schools, colleges and universities nationwide.

The adjudication panel comprised 12 chief adjudicators alongside more than 50 invited and independent judges.

Sixteen teams advanced past the preliminary rounds on the first day.

The semi-finals and finals took place on the second day.

Finals were conducted in two categories: Open and School-College.

The Open Category final featured teams from the Debaters' Community of Bangladesh, Chandpur Debate Movement, Chittagong University Debating Society,, and the Independent University of Bangladesh Debating Club.

Chandpur Debate Movement (CDM-Z) clinched the championship, with Chittagong University Debating Society (CUDS-B) as runner-up.

Irfan Khan Apurbo of Chittagong University was adjudged both Debater of the Final and Debater of the Tournament in the Open Category.

In the School-College Category, finalists included Preparatory Debating Society-01, Millat Debating Society ('Morusingho'), Dhaka College Debating Society ('Maxon'), and Dhaka College Debating Society ('mRNA').

Preparatory Debating Society-01 (PDS-01) won the title, with Millat Debating Society ('Morusingho') as runners-up.

Islamul Haque Saurav (Chandpur Debate Movement) and Tanvir (Adamjee Cantonment College Debating Club) were jointly named Debaters of the Tournament in the School-College division.

Saom Rahman took the Debater of the Final accolade.

Final round adjudicators included Tamzid Rahman (BUTEXDC), Fahmida Srishti (BDF), Mohammad Rahomatullah (Dhaka University Debating Society), Adib Faisal (North South University Debating Club), and Ittesaf Rahman (BUTEXDC).

Organisers noted that all adjudicators are recognised as experienced figures in Bangladesh's debating circuit.

BUTEX Vice-Chancellor Professor Engineer Dr Md Julhas Uddin Ahmed attended the prize-giving ceremony as chief guest.

Notable guests included Director of Student Welfare Professor Dr Md Mashiur Rahman Khan, Registrar Dr Rasheda Begum Dinna, and BUTEX Debating Club Moderator Assistant Professor Md Sohag Babu.

Special guests comprised Auko-Tex Group Managing Director Engineer Abdus Sobhan, Masco Group Executive Director Mahbubul Alam Milton, Emmtex Solutions BD Limited Managing Director Engineer Md Moidul Islam Moid, Mbrella Limited AGM for Operations Md Tanvir Ahmed, ITET Member Secretary Engineer Md Enayet Hossain, and Sameet Dye-Chem Limited CEO and Managing Director Sayed Iqbal Akhtar Rizvi.

BUTEX Debating Club President Md Munem Shahriar Arnob presided over the event.

Club Moderator Assistant Professor Md Sohag Babu inaugurated the event, which was hosted by General Secretary Ashek A Rahman.

Professor Dr Md Julhas Uddin Ahmed highlighted debate's vital role in fostering students' creativity, intellect and leadership qualities.

He added that debating significantly enhances practical and professional skills.

He praised BUTEXDC for annually organising a national-level event and congratulated participants, judges and organisers.

ITET Member Secretary Engineer Md Enayet Hossain remarked that debating positively influences both personal and professional life.

He noted that debating fosters articulation, analytical ability and intellectual maturity.

Emmtex Solutions BD Limited Managing Director Engineer Md Moidul Islam Moid highlighted that debating enhances leadership capabilities and prepares students for professional success.

The programme concluded with a cultural segment and live band performances following the prize-giving ceremony.