The ULAB Debating Club organised “The Voices of Tomorrow 2026”, a campus-based public speaking and cultural competition, at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) on 16 July.

Held under the theme “Roots & Resonance: Celebrating the Spirit of Bangladesh”, the competition brought together students, academics and communication professionals to promote public speaking while encouraging participants to explore Bangladesh’s history, culture and identity.

Professor Dr Shamsad Mortuza, vice-chancellor of ULAB, attended the event as the chief guest. Syeda Sadia Mehjabin, senior lecturer at the School of Social Science and adviser to the ULAB Debating Club, was also present.

Addressing the participants, Professor Dr Mortuza highlighted the importance of effective communication in developing responsible leaders and engaged citizens. He encouraged students to express themselves with confidence while remaining connected to the country’s history, values and cultural heritage.

The competition provided participants with an opportunity to demonstrate their public speaking, critical thinking and persuasive communication skills through speeches inspired by the spirit of Bangladesh.

The judging panel comprised Advocate Manzur Al Matin, lawyer at the Supreme Court of Bangladesh and former debater at the University of Dhaka; Md Jubayer Hossain, public relations professional and former debater at the University of Dhaka; and Al Mahmud Rumman, senior lecturer in the Department of English and Humanities at ULAB.

Following the competition, Deboitri Shejuti Sharkar was declared champion. Md Rabiul Azam Biplob secured the first runner-up position, while Md Shahriar Rahman Shams became the second runner-up.

The ULAB Debating Club congratulated the winners and participants and thanked the chief guest, judges, faculty members, organisers, volunteers and audience members for contributing to the successful staging of the event.

According to the organisers, the competition forms part of the club’s ongoing efforts to promote critical thinking, effective communication and responsible leadership among students.