Speakers highlighted the importance of practicing democracy in educational institutions as essential for building a democratic society in the country. This perspective was shared during a policy discussion titled “Democracy in Educational Institutions: Youth’s Preparation and Expectations.” The discussion was part of the three-day debate festival, Ami-o Jitte Chai DIUDC Debate Fest 1431, organized by the Daffodil International University Debating Club (DIUDC).
The closing ceremony took place on Saturday at the International Conference Hall of Daffodil International University in Savar. The debate festival was organized with funding from USAID and support from Democracy International, with the participation of 64 debate teams from universities and schools across the country.
In the final round of the university-level debate competition, the Bangladesh University of Professionals team defeated Brac University to become the champion. Meanwhile, at the school and college level, the winner was Dhaka College defeated Dhaka Shaheen College.
Under USAID’s Strengthening Political Landscape (SPL) project, Democracy International is running various programs across districts and campuses through the “Amio Jittee Chai” (I Want to Win Too) campaign. These programs include debate competitions, theater performances, and discussions to highlight citizens’ expectations. Additionally, the campaign’s website, www.amiojittechai.com allows people to voice their demands directly.
In the panel discussion at the event, news presenter, lawyer, and National Citizen Committee member Manzur Al Matin said that a nation’s state of democracy is often reflected in its educational institutions. “Democracy grows when diverse opinions are encouraged, and universities have a responsibility to protect the rights of the students to freely express their perspectives. He emphasized that for meaningful national reform, it is essential for students and people from all walks of life to come together and work toward impactful change.
At the same time, Jamuna TV’s Assignment Editor Roksana Anjuman Nikole stated, “Democratic practice doesn’t begin only at the university level; it starts right from the school level. We can practice democracy when we select captains in our schools. Typically, it is the students with good academic results or those favored by teachers who are chosen as captains. However, if this process were conducted through voting, students would engage in democratic practice from an early stage. A student with good academic results isn’t necessarily a good leader.” In the interest of the progress of the country and reform, she called on all students to stand together, setting aside differences in political affiliation, gender, or religion.
Arif Sohel, a coordinator of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement, stated that generally, in educational settings, the curriculum development and various policy-making processes are carried by teachers and other higher authorities, with no involvement from students. To strengthen democratic practice, students must be involved not only in educational institutions but also in the policymaking and decision-making processes of the state.
The discussion was moderated by Mahfuz Mishu, a media professional and educator, and Jannatul Ferdaus, a student from Daffodil International University, was also one of the speakers at the event.
The three-day festival hosted a parliamentary debate competition, featuring 32 university teams and 32 school-level teams participating in seven rounds. The event also included various activities such as a thematic workshop on gender, interactive theatre performances, video message creation, and a quiz competition.
Awards were presented to the winners by Dana L. Olds, Chief of Party at Democracy International. During the ceremony she said, “All the participants of the event are very enthusiastic and energetic. I believe, they will lead the country towards a very positive and reformative path.” She invited everyone to participate in “Ami Jitte Chai” campaign to promote the opinions and thoughts of the youths.
At the closing day, Karen Miller, Director of Program Management at Democracy International, and Leslie Richards, Deputy Chief of Party. Lubain Chowdhury Masum, Political Process Advisor at USAID, attended as well. Mr. Aftab Hossain, the Convener and Head of the JMC Department, and Mr. Amit Chakrabarty, Assistant Professor in the CSE Department of Daffodil International University, were present.
