National Debate Foundation Bangladesh (NDF-BD) organised National Debate Festival '14 on May 16 and 17 at the Bangla Academy auditorium. A total of 1500 contestants from 135 schools, 88 colleges, 52 universities, 10 madrassas, 18 medical colleges and 12 open debate clubs took part in the festival.
The programme began on May 16 with the presence of Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu as chief guest. Among others, Managing Director of Channel-i and Impress Telefilm Ltd, Faridur Reza Sagar and Chairman of NDF-BD, AKM Shoaib were present as guests of honour.
Chairman of Janata Bank Ltd. and President of Bangladesh Economic Association (BEA), Professor Dr. Abul Barkat was honoured with 'NDF-BD Life Time Achievement Award' for his contribution to the debate arena of Bangladesh.
After the opening ceremony a Child Debate session took place with the participation of Sadika Tasnim Ornila, Evana Mannan, Sadman Saqib Nabil, Saomit Hasan Saom, Mahfuj Ahmed Anik and Kainat Karim. Later in the day, a number of debate sessions took place in different formats followed by a debate workshop by Rajib Sarkar.
On the second day, parliamentary format debate, jukti-bitorko, regional debate, fun debate and a Bangla public speaking competition was held. Three debate workshops also took place on the day.
Then came the closing ceremony in the evening. Professor Emeritus Dr. Anisuzzaman was the chief guest in this session. Among others guests, Ekram Ahmed, Chairman of BPSC; Tasmima Hossain, Acting Editor of Daily Ittefaq; Hafiz Ahmed, Managing Director of Fast Corporation Ltd. were present at the closing ceremony.
Jaiul from Maldives, Sakila Akter, Sinat-E-Afroza, Md. Tasmiul Hasan, Tasnuba Ahsan secured 1st to 5th places respectively in public speaking competition. Shaheed Bir Uttam Lt. Anwar Girls School, Dhaka Cantonment Girls Public School & College, Jannatul Banat Mohila Madrasa, Popular Medical College and Bangladesh Islamic University received trophies in the best institutions category in Dhaka city. Syedpur Cantonment Public School and College, Comilla Victoria College, Enam Medical College, and Kushtia Islamic University also received trophies.
This two-day programme was presided over by NDF-BD Chairman, AKM Shoaib. Anontex Trust Foundation was the title sponsor of this festival, while Daily Shokaler Khobor, Trust Bank, Sol's invest, Snowtex and Care Dent were co-sponsors.