Feature

3rd Intra-IUB Debating Championship 2009:
A Contention of Logic

Sabhanaz Rashid Diya

IT is largely believed that a person who does not debate is a person who does not think. An individual who does not challenge himself and others is a person who has lost his case before it has been stated. In the recent US Presidential Elections, the world has witnessed President-elects Obama and McCain debate over crisis, social issues and future promises. A debater is not an arguer, someone who screams or hauls things at the others who oppose; but rather a thoughtful individual who learns to disagree and state his or her viewpoint on facts and logic. It is a civilized form of argument, and is perhaps one of the most important life skills for any individual to master.

Hence, to reenact the undoubted virtues of debating to the common world and young generations, the Independent University Bangladesh Debating Club (IUBDC) recently organized an Intra-University Debating Championship in its premises. With the active participation of six teams comprising of young, enthusiastic debaters from different batches, the tournament was a 4-day programme that was loved by all.

Beginning from 5 March 2009, the 3rd Intra-IUB Debating Championship was organized by the Executive Committee of the club. The committee comprises of students under the moderation of Mr. Shaiful Islam, Lecturer at the Department of English at IUB. Six teams fought each other through a series of arguments and counter-arguments in five rounds. The debates were held in All-Asian's format as Parliamentary Debates comprising of a Government team and an Opposition team, each housing three speakers.

The finals of the Championship were held on 8 March 2009 at the university premises. Ipshit, Radian and Rafid composed of the Government team, while in the opposition were Abrar, Nafis and Adeeb. The motion of the debate was 'This house believes that International Criminal Court (ICC) should have the right to enforce capital punishment.' After one hour of exchange of fierce arguments and counter arguments, the government team members bagged the victory.

The IUB administration has always been very supportive of its Debating Club. IUBDC has been known for winning several tournaments over the years, and has seen many improvements. The debaters experience and learn skills of debating through intra-university competitions, so that they are more prepared to face teams from other universities or different countries during international tournaments. It is no surprise that both Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bazlul M. Chowdhury and Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. M. Omar Rahman have been debaters in their days, and value the art of debating greatly. They have always inspired the students by their presence at the various tournaments and through critical analysis and priceless advice, have played an important role in motivating the students to be better debaters. IUBDC remains grateful to the administration for their consistent support and encouragement in their ventures and hopes to organize more of such tournaments for its members.