Abul Mansur Ahmad Smriti Parishad launches debate competition

The registration process for the “Abul Mansur Ahmad Debate Competition 2026” has officially begun, announced the Abul Mansur Ahmad Smriti Parishad, which is organising the event in memory of the eminent literary figure, journalist and politician.

This year’s debate motion has been set as: “A theocratic state or a state-governed religion”, said a press release.

Students from higher secondary to postgraduate level are eligible to participate.

However, those who have previously won any essay, speech or debate competition will not be eligible to apply.

Interested participants must send their applications to amatrust2015@gmail.com, including their name, educational institution, identity details, age, mobile number and chosen stance on the debate topic.

Applicants are also required to attach a brief 150-word argument in support of either “for” or “against” the position.

Organisers said the competition will feature participation from 16 specially invited colleges and universities. It will be conducted in Bangla Asian Parliamentary format across three knockout rounds. From the pool of applicants, participants will be selected through an initial screening process.

The final round will be held at The Daily Star Centre in Farmgate, Dhaka, with selected contestants. At the end of the competition, top two teams will be declared winners.

The first prize carries Tk 15,000 in cash, books worth Tk 5,000, a certificate and a crest. The second prize-winning team will receive Tk 10,000 in cash, books worth Tk 2,000, a certificate and a crest. All participants will also receive certificates and books as souvenirs.

Winners will be awarded their prizes in September, on the occasion of Abul Mansur Ahmad’s birth anniversary. Selected candidates will be notified via Facebook and mobile phone.

Abul Mansur Ahmad remains a towering figure in Bengali literature, journalism and politics.