The Chittagong University Debating Society (CUDS), the central debating club of the University of Chittagong, successfully hosted the Inter-Department Debate Competition 2025 on May 27 at the university’s BBA Auditorium.

This year’s event was held under the theme “Juktijuddhe Sabhyasachi, Chetonay Onirban”, celebrating the ideals of free thought, critical inquiry, and intellectual dialogue.

Established in 1996, CUDS has long served as a cornerstone of the university’s culture of discourse, nurturing students in the art of analytical reasoning, articulate expression, and ethical leadership. The 2025 competition was a testament to that tradition, drawing 20 teams with around 60 debaters from various academic departments for a rigorous, day-long tournament.

The competition was made possible through the generous support of the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC), Chattogram.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by the Honorable Vice-Chancellor and Chief Patron of CUDS, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yeahia Akhter, who attended as the Chief Guest. Other notable guests included University Registrar Dr. Mohammed Saiful Islam, Additional Director of DNC Chattogram Division Md. Jahid Hossain Molla, University Proctor Dr. Tanvir Mohammad Hayder Arif, DNC Assistant Director Mr. Kazi Didarul Alam, and Chemical Examiner Mr. Shafiqul Islam Sarkar.

The event was presided over by Mr. Rajiur Rahman Arif, President of the 26th Executive Committee of CUDS, and conducted by General Secretary Mr. Rayhan Ahmed Chowdhury. Hosting duties were skillfully carried out by CUDS Vice President Ms. Aheli Azman and Bangla Debate Secretary Ms. Oindrila Barua.

In his keynote speech, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yeahia Akhter lauded debate as a refined form of art, akin to drama, music, and poetry. Emphasizing the value of consistent practice and discipline in mastering debate, he reiterated the university’s commitment to fostering a drug-free academic environment.

As a forward-looking policy suggestion, he proposed the introduction of mandatory drug testing at the time of student admissions to ensure both mental wellness and moral integrity.

In a spirited grand finale, the Department of Finance clinched the Champion’s title, with the Department of Banking and Insurance securing the Runner-Up position. Mumtahina Imrose and Tajbiul Ahsan were jointly awarded Best Speakers of the Tournament, while Tajbiul Ahsan also earned the distinction of Best Speaker of the Final Round.

This year’s competition stands as another milestone in CUDS’s ongoing journey to cultivate a thoughtful, engaged, and articulate student body, carrying forward the legacy of meaningful dialogue and academic excellence at the University of Chittagong.