The central theme of this year’s tournament was “The Bengal Subah: Echoes of the Mughal Age,” highlighting the artistic, architectural, cultural and intellectual heritage of Subah Bangla during the Mughal era. The theme was reflected throughout the competition through a blend of history, heritage and intellect.

Around 44 debate teams and more than a hundred debaters from schools, colleges and universities across the country took part. The adjudication panel comprised 12 chief adjudicators and over 50 invited and independent judges. Following the preliminary rounds on 8 May, 16 teams advanced to the next stage. The semi-final and final rounds were held on 9 May, with finals conducted in two categories: Open and School–College.

In the Open Category final, Debaters’ Community of Bangladesh, Chandpur Debate Movement, Chittagong University Debating Society, and Independent University of Bangladesh Debating Club competed. Chandpur Debate Movement (CDM-Z) emerged as champions, while Chittagong University Debating Society (CUDS-B) finished as runners-up. Irfan Khan Apurbo of Chittagong University was named Debater of the Final and Debater of the Tournament in the Open Category.

In the School–College Category, the finalists were Preparatory Debating Society-01, Millat Debating Society Morusingho, Dhaka College Debating Society Maxon, and Dhaka College Debating Society mRNA. PDS-01 became champions, while MDC “Morusingho” secured the runners-up position. Islamul Haque Saurav of Chandpur Debate Movement and Tanvir of Adamjee Cantonment College Debating Club were jointly declared Debaters of the Tournament in the School–College division. Saom Rahman was named Debater of the Final.

The final round adjudication panel included Tamzid Rahman (BUTEXDC), Fahmida Srishti (Bangladesh Debating Federation), Mohammad Rahomatullah (Dhaka University Debating Society), Adib Faisal (North South University Debating Club), and Ittesaf Rahman (BUTEXDC).

The prize-giving ceremony was attended by the Vice-Chancellor of BUTEX, Professor Engineer Dr Md Julhas Uddin Ahmed, as chief guest. Other guests included Director of Student Welfare Professor Dr Md Mashiur Rahman Khan, Registrar Dr Rasheda Begum Dinna, and the moderator of BUTEX Debating Club, Assistant Professor Md Sohag Babu. Special guests represented industry partners including Auko-Tex Group, Masco Group, Emmtex Solutions BD Limited, Mbrella Limited, Institute of Textile Engineering and Technology (ITET), and Sameet Dye-Chem Limited.

The programme was presided over by the President of BUTEX Debating Club, Md Munem Shahriar Arnob, inaugurated by Assistant Professor Md Sohag Babu, and hosted by the club’s General Secretary, Ashek A Rahman.

In his address, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Julhas Uddin Ahmed emphasised the role of debate in developing creativity, intellect and leadership, noting its importance in enhancing practical and professional skills. Speakers from industry echoed similar views on the value of debating in personal and professional development.

The two-day event concluded with a cultural programme and live band performances following the prize distribution ceremony.