The BRAC Secondary School Debate Festival 2024-2025 ended on a high note, showcasing remarkable analytical skills and compelling arguments. BRAC Secondary School, Jaldhaka, Nilphamari emerged as the champion, while BRAC Secondary School, Damurhuda, Chuadanga claimed the runner-up position.

Celebrating International Women’s Day

In honor of International Women’s Day, students from BRAC Secondary Schools all over Bangladesh took part in the event. The grand finale was held on Monday, 10 March, at the BRAC Centre in Mohakhali, Dhaka.

The Final Debate Motion

The final debate centered on the motion:

“Economic independence is more crucial than changing societal perspectives for women’s empowerment.”
Participants used data analysis, real-life examples, and sound reasoning to validate their positions, captivating the audience, guests, and judges.

Distinguished Guests

Prominent BRAC leaders and experts attended the event, including:

• Moutushi Kabir, Senior Director, People, Culture, and Communications, BRAC
• Safi Rahman Khan, Director, Education, Skills Development, and Migration, BRAC

Renowned debater and media personality Dr Abdun Noor Tushar moderated the debate, while members of the Bangladesh Debate Federation formed the judging panel.

Inspiring Messages

Moutushi Kabir encouraged students to push beyond the debate arena and raise their voices against violence and violations of human rights at every stage of life.

Safi Rahman Khan underscored the value of creative activities like debating alongside academic pursuits and urged students, parents, and teachers to support such initiatives.

Key Quote from the Moderator

Dr Abdun Noor Tushar reminded students that debates should be about more than just presenting facts, emphasizing the need to analyze and argue thoughtfully to convey one’s viewpoints effectively.

Awards and Acknowledgments

At the festival’s close, awards and certificates were given to the champion, runner-up, and the best speaker. This fitting conclusion highlighted the talents and hard work of all participants.

Significance of the Debate Festival

Inaugurated to mark International Women’s Day, the BRAC Secondary School Debate Festival aims to increase women’s rights, empowerment, and equality awareness. This year, 613 students from 13 BRAC Secondary Schools across Bangladesh participated, with 58 percent of them being female.

Competition Structure

The festival unfolded in three phases designed to enhance reasoning, analytical thinking, and public speaking skills:

1. Intra-School Round (Grades 6–9)
2. Inter-School and District-Level Semi-Finals
3. National Grand Finale

Future Outlook

BRAC’s Education Programme (BEP) initiated this festival to encourage critical thinking and confident communication among students. In the future, BRAC plans to extend this initiative to give even more students nationwide a platform to develop their analytical and debating abilities, thereby nurturing leadership and intellectual growth.