The Debating Forum of International Relations (DFIR) successfully organised the two-day DFIR Inter-Department Debate Competition 2026 under the theme, “Revolution Written in Blood, Tomorrow Built on Reason”.

The opening day of the competition was held at the Department of International Relations, bringing together more than 100 debaters from 18 departments.

The event was inaugurated by Professor Khalid Quddus, Professor Ali Akbar and Associate Professor Tasmia Parsoob of the Department of International Relations.

Inspired by the spirit of the revolutions that have shaped Bangladesh, participants engaged in a series of competitive and intellectually engaging debates. The competition was adjudicated by distinguished debaters from several leading universities across the country.

Following three rounds of competition, four teams advanced to the pre-semifinals, while two teams qualified directly for the semifinals. Six participants also secured Speaker Break.

The event was convened by Nazmul Wara Talha, with Ayeshatun Faria serving as co-convener.

Speaking about the initiative, Nazmul Wara Talha said, “July is the month of revolution. Our event is inspired by every revolution that has taken place in Bangladesh. May our revolutions continue to live on through the power of reason and debate. Our initiative aims to ignite a revolution of free thinking.”

The grand final was held on 26 July at the Department of International Relations. The session was inaugurated by Professor Abdullah Al Kafi and Lecturer Sinzina Akter and chaired by Dr Sajib Bala. The chief guest was Dr Lutfor Elahi of the Department of History.

At the end of the competition, the Department of Urban and Regional Planning emerged as champion, while the Department of History finished as runner-up.

The champion team comprised Moaj Hasan, Mohammad Afsanur Islam and Sheikh Rahat Siddiqui. The runner-up team consisted of Asif Al Imran, Mahdi Al Hossain and Shahed Hasan.

The organisers said the competition reaffirmed DFIR’s commitment to promoting critical thinking, intellectual discourse and a culture of reasoned debate among students while encouraging young people to embrace logic, free thought and constructive dialogue.