3rd National Debate Competition 2026 inaugurated at PUST
Diversity of Opinion Vital for Democracy: PUST VC
- PUST VC highlights synergy between scientific inquiry, data-driven reasoning, and debate culture
- Youth urged to filter misinformation through analytical fact-checking and structured critical discourse
- PUST Debating Society hosts national-level debaters from schools, colleges, and universities
Emphasizing that ideological diversity is the cornerstone of democracy, Professor Dr. Abul Hasnat Md. Shamim, Vice-Chancellor of Pabna University of Science and Technology (PUST), stated that scientific rigor, empirical reasoning, and debate culture are imperative to counter misinformation. He delivered the remarks as chief guest at the inauguration of the '3rd National Debate Competition 2026', organized by the PUST Debating Society at the university auditorium on Friday, 28 August 2026, at 10:00 AM.
The Vice-Chancellor noted, "A healthy democratic society depends on structured debate. Disagreements must be articulated through facts, logical evidence, and mutual respect. In this era of information saturation and social media virality, not all disseminated data is accurate. The ability to analytically verify facts, question assumptions, and apply scientific inquiry has become vital in dispelling digital rumors."
He further underscored that scientific methodologies and debate share core principles: both train minds to question dogmas, search for empirical proof, and validate hypotheses. The Vice-Chancellor added that alongside technological and physical infrastructure, sustainable national progress relies on developing human capital capable of critical analysis, intellectual honesty, and evidence-based leadership.
University Proctor Professor Dr. Kamruzzaman Khan attended the session as a special guest. PUST Debating Society Adviser Professor Dr. Md. Habibullah and Faculty Dean Professor Dr. Mir Humayun Kabir were present as well. The opening ceremony was chaired by Debating Society President Abdur Rauf, with General Secretary Mobashshira Galiba Tonny delivering the welcome address, alongside participating debaters, adjudicators, and faculty members from diverse institutions.
//DBTech/PTCO/SME//
