::: Star Campus :::

Feature

Debating is the act of discussing or arguing; discussion. Debating is also a powerful tool of expression of thought. In a democratic system a debate can solve many disputes. Debates have now become a popular cultural event in Bangladesh.

Hassan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron is seen with actress Poppy at the BCJA Ceremony

Hassan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron is a household name in debating. Being the Founder Chairman of National Debate Federation and Director National Television School Debate Competition, he is not only the ex-President and Secretary of the Dhaka University Debating Society (DUDS) but also a life member of the society. On a visit to the Daily Star he was interviewed by the Star Campus team.

Star Campus (SC) : For how long have you been associated with debate?
Kiron : More than a decade.

Star Campus : How did you get into the debate arena?
Kiron : In the period between 1985-86 we were going through a very crucial time at the Dhaka University (DU) campus.At that time he had no democratic system at national level. An autocratic government was in power. That was when the idea of expressing each others' thoughts emerged. This was debating. Under the guidance of the DUCSU Cultural Secretary Niyamat Elahee we formed DUDS and talked to cultural activists of different DU Halls to have a debate competition. Our friends took it seriously and formed debate club in the respective halls that led us to have an INTER-HALL debate competition.

Star Campus : You recently organised a workshop for debaters on MDG. Tell us about it.
Kiron : It was a day long workshop for debaters about Millennium Development Goals that was jointly organised by the UNDP, DFID and Debate for Democracy. More than 250 debaters attended the workshop from different institutions and debates on different issues related to MDG took place. It was, in fact, organised to inform the new generation about the Millennium Development Goals -- a program set by the UN. The workshop was very lively and successful.

Star Campus : What is your evaluation of our debaters?
Kiron : I found tremendous potential in our debaters of different levels. Debate is now an established cultural event in almost all academic institutions. My observations are: our debaters are very talented, confident and responsible in all respects. It must be mentioned that debaters are more successful than others in their professional life.

Star Campus : Do you think that our debaters are of international standard?
Kiron : Of course, they are. There is no doubt about it.

Star Campus : Do you think that national crisis can be solved through debate?
Kiron : I'm optimistic that through debate we can solve many disputes but someone has to take initiative.

Star Campus : Did you get any recognition for your debating activities?
Kiron : I have, as many as I could have achieved -- the 'Trab Award, Shining Personality Award, Cultural Reporters Award, Award for Popularising Parliamentary Debate in Bangladesh, Life Time Achievement from Sher-E-Bangla Agricultural University, Bangladesh Cultural Journalist Association Award (BCJA), Life Time Achievement for Comilla Bitarka Parishad ' and many more.

Star Campus : As a chairman of Debate for Democracy what do you think about debate?
Kiron : I would love to include debate in all academic curriculum carrying at least 50 marks in the syllabus at Secondary Level. If it is included our young generation will know and practice the art of debating for the rest of their lives that would help them build a good, knowledgeable and rewarding career.

Star Campus : What is your next plan in debate?
Kiron : I hope to organise an ELECTORAL DEBATE among participating parties for the next parliament election 2007. And I am confident that if it can be introduced it will solve many national crises and general people will be able to elect a suitable candidate.