News Desk: In a significant announcement, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yaser Khan Chowdhury revealed plans to organize regional-level debate competitions across various districts of Bangladesh, hosted by Bangladesh Betar. This initiative aims to enhance students’ critical thinking and communication skills, fostering a culture of informed debate.
During the closing ceremony of the ‘Betar Debate Competition-2026′ held in the capital on October 7, the State Minister emphasized the importance of debate in developing students’ knowledge and reasoning abilities. He cautioned that debates should not merely become exercises in argumentation; instead, they must be rooted in accurate and reliable information.
Chowdhury highlighted that engaging in debate competitions encourages students to delve into diverse subjects, preparing them for future leadership roles in fields such as engineering, medicine, and journalism. He stressed the necessity for students to balance academic pursuits with co-curricular activities, stating, “In today’s world, achieving good academic results alone is not enough; students need to be involved in sports, debates, cultural events, and other co-curricular activities.”
The State Minister also noted the Prime Minister’s commitment to sports development, announcing initiatives to construct playgrounds in every Union and mini-stadiums in every Upazila. These projects are already underway, with many Upazilas benefiting from the first phase of implementation.
Looking ahead, Chowdhury shared plans for nationwide quiz competitions across various educational levels, which will be broadcast on Bangladesh Television. He affirmed that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Ministry of Education are collaborating to expand these initiatives, enriching students’ intellectual pursuits and enabling them to contribute significantly to the nation’s development.
In closing, the State Minister congratulated St. Joseph School for winning the ‘Betar Debate Competition-2026’ and Shamsul Hoque Khan School for being the runner-up. He commended all participating students, teachers, and guardians for their courage and self-confidence in engaging in the debate competition.
The event, presided over by ASM Jahid, Director General of Bangladesh Betar, also featured remarks from Md. Shah Alam, Additional Secretary (Administration and Press) of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, who moderated the final debate. Trophies, certificates, and crests were awarded to the champion and runner-up teams, celebrating their achievements in this enriching educational endeavor.
