BUP team crowned open debate champion at IUT Argumentum 2026

Bangladesh University of Professionals Team BUP 1 clinched the Interclub British Parliamentary Debate Open title at IUT Argumentum 2026, a three-day national debate and public speaking championship that attracted over 2,500 students from across the country.

The Islamic University of Technology Debating Society (IUTDS) organised the championship from 17 to 19 July, bringing together students from schools, colleges and universities across Bangladesh.

The event featured Interclub British Parliamentary debates in the Open and Novice divisions, as well as three public speaking contests—The Podium (English), The Podium (Bangla) and Flip the Script. Prizes exceeding Tk300,000 were awarded.

The championship opened at the Islamic University of Technology on 17 July.

Nurul Haque Nur, State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, attended the inaugural ceremony as chief guest.

Professor Dr Md Mamun Bin Ibne Reaz, Vice-Chancellor of the Islamic University of Technology, attended as guest of honour. At the same time, Dr Hissein Araby Nour, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the university, was present as special guest. Mamun Rashid, President of ShopUp, also attended.

Md Taimum Ibne Sayed, President of the Islamic University of Technology Debating Society, formally inaugurated the championship's five segments.

"The true value of this experience lies not only in winning trophies but in sharpening your intellect, broadening your perspectives and building friendships that transcend institutions," Dr Hissein Araby Nour told participants.

The three public speaking finals were held on the opening day.

Nazifa Tafannun of Birshreshtha Noor Mohammad Public College won Flip the Script. Gazi Mahtab Hossain of Bangladesh University of Professionals finished as first runner-up, while Inshirah Sayed of Cantonment English School and College secured second runner-up.

Isra Arshia Tariq of Mirpur Cantonment Public School and College won The Podium (English). Raisa Mahjabeen of Bangladesh University of Professionals and Porosh Paul of Dhaka Residential Model College finished as first and second runners-up, respectively.

Maisha Binte Kabir of the University of Dhaka won The Podium (Bangla), while fellow student Jarif Joarder was first runner-up and Nazifa Tafannun took second runner-up.

The second day featured the Open division semi-finals and the Novice division final.

RUDF-B of the University of Rajshahi, represented by Nafisa Jarin Tasnim and Tahsin Tabassum, won the Novice championship. JUDS Alpha of Jahangirnagar University, comprising Wali Masud and Moaz Hasan, finished as runner-up.

The day concluded with the tournament's "Break Night", where participants, adjudicators and guests gathered ahead of the final round.

The championship ended on 19 July with a closing gala at Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport by IHG.

Mahdi Amin, Adviser in the rank of State Minister and Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, attended the ceremony as chief guest. Finalists, adjudicators, guests, alumni, campus ambassadors and participants from institutions nationwide joined the event.

"Institutions flourish when they create spaces where ideas are exchanged freely, differences are discussed respectfully, and young people are encouraged to think independently while remaining guided by integrity and responsibility," said Professor Dr Md Mamun Bin Ibne Reaz.

In the Interclub British Parliamentary Debate Open grand final, Team BUP 1—represented by Gazi Mahtab Hossain and Abid Bin Ahmad—emerged as champions.

Team IUT A, comprising Moez Uddin Ashrafee and Sahib Rahman Khan, finished as first runner-up.

Gazi Mahtab Hossain was named Debater of the Tournament, while Abid Bin Ahmad received the Debater of the Finale award.

Hossain Muhtadi Rafid of Daffodil International School and College was named Best Campus Ambassador for his contribution to mobilising participants from educational institutions across the country.

The championship also marked the launch of the seventh edition of Trivium, the annual publication of the Islamic University of Technology Debating Society.

"IUT Argumentum has always been about more than trophies and titles. It is about creating a platform where young people challenge ideas, discover their voices and build lifelong friendships across institutions," said Md Taimum Ibne Sayed, Convener of IUT Argumentum 2026 and President of the Islamic University of Technology Debating Society.

He said the participation of more than 2,500 students reflected a growing culture of critical thinking and meaningful dialogue among young people.

He also thanked the participants, adjudicators, volunteers, alums, campus ambassadors, sponsors, partners and supporters involved in organising the championship.

IUT Argumentum 2026 was powered by Shah Cement, with Pubali Bank PLC as title sponsor, Noman Group as diamond sponsor, Glasgow Exxon as titanium sponsor and Ispahani as platinum sponsor.