Hundreds of young debaters from across the country gathered at Dhaka University (DU) on Friday to exchange ideas on social protection policies and contribute to discussions on Bangladesh’s future welfare framework through a national debate tournament.
The event, titled ‘Dhaka IV: Youth Voices for Social Protection’, was organised by the Dhaka University Debating Society (DUDS) in partnership with the Social Security Policy Support (SSPS) Programme of UNDP Bangladesh, with support from the Australian Government (DFAT).
The tournament, held at the Faculty of Business Studies, brought together nearly 400 participants, including debaters, adjudicators and volunteers.
Around 50 teams competed in five rounds of debates conducted in British Parliamentary and Asian Parliamentary formats.
DU Proctor Md Israfil Ratan attended the opening ceremony as the chief guest, while UNDP Senior Governance Specialist of UNDP Bangladesh Tanvir Mahmud joined it as a special guest.
Other attendees included UNDP Consultant Abdul Barik, DUDS Moderator Prof Amirus Salat, DUDS President Jubayer Hossain and its General Secretary Ragib Anjum.
Speaking at the programme, Israfil Ratan stressed the importance of creating opportunities for young people to engage in discussions on issues affecting society and national development.
Abdul Barik said debate platforms focused on public policy help students develop analytical skills and prepare them for future leadership and policymaking roles.
Addressing the participants, Tanvir Mahmud said governments regularly face complex policy choices regarding resource allocation, service delivery and social inclusion.
He noted that issues such as climate change, demographic shifts, technological transformation and labour market changes require informed public engagement and constructive debate.
“The quality of public policy depends, in large part, on the quality of public discourse,” he said, adding that UNDP supports initiatives that encourage evidence-based discussions among young citizens.
Prof. Amirus Salat expressed appreciation for UNDP’s support, saying, “investments in youth development would contribute to strengthening Bangladesh’s human capital.”
Arju Afrin Kathy, research officer of the Social Security Policy Support Programme, said the tournament was organised at a significant moment as the National Social Security Strategy (NSSS) 2015-2026 approaches its conclusion and preparations begin for its successor framework.
She said, “the initiative aims to incorporate youth perspectives into future discussions on social protection and human development policies.”
The organisers announced that the grand finals of both the British Parliamentary and Asian Parliamentary categories will take place on 20 June.
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