Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

Mr. Chairperson,

Students and academics from home and abroad,

Participants of the All-Asian debate championship,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Assalamu Alaikum and Good Afternoon.

The sight of such a youthful gathering at this inaugural ceremony of the 15th All Asian Inter-Varsity Debate Championship is indeed very heart-warming. I take immense pleasure in welcoming the overseas participants to our beautiful land and its bustling metropolis.

It is very gratifying to note that this championship is being held for the first time in South Asia. I have been told that approximately 400 participants from a dozen Asian countries are participating here. I would like to congratulate and thank the North South University of Dhaka for hosting such an important and enlightening event for the first time in Bangladesh. I extend my best wishes to everybody present here.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The virtues and benefits of debates and discourse in human lives are enormous. Former US Vice-President Hubert Humphrey had said, “Freedom is hammered out on the anvil of discussion, dissent and debate”. On the other hand, French essayist and moralist Joseph Joubert had said, “It is better to debate a question without settling it, than to settle a question without debating it”.

The people and Government of Bangladesh are very keen to facilitate cultural exchanges and youth empowerment programmes with the countries of South Asia and beyond. By organizing this All-Asian debate championship, the North South University Debate Club has proved to be a pioneer in propagating the art of debate in Bangladesh while helping to tap the potentials of Asia’s brightest youths. This event is a congregation of enlightened minds, who will flourish as future leaders of Asia in their respective fields. Their interactions and networking will hopefully lead to greater understanding, cooperation and cohesiveness among the countries of Asia and beyond.

The All-Asian Inter-Varsity Debate Championship is one of the most prestigious international debating tournaments in Asia, and the third largest in the world. The topics such as women’s empowerment, human rights, poverty alleviation, terrorism, rural development and environmental issues appear to be well-chosen, timely and relevant. This event in Bangladesh will, hopefully, serve as an extended forum for interaction and for the exchange of views on vital socio-economic and cultural themes that confront Asia. This event will provide an opportunity to project Bangladesh to Asia. The Government of Bangladesh encourages such endeavours and pledges to offer wholehearted support and assistance for initiatives like this.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Young people can contribute significantly towards the prosperity of a nation, and we must collectively tap the potential of youth in order to achieve our potential as nations. In order to ensure national development self development of the youth is a necessity. While academic endeavours develop the intellect, extra-curricular activities can help broaden and deepen knowledge gained in the classroom. Both are complementary and are integral parts of a well-rounded education. This debating championship will undoubtedly serve as a wonderful learning opportunity for the participants, as well, I hope as an opportunity to have fun and develop friendships.

In conclusion, I wish the Asian debaters who are participating in this grand tournament a very pleasant stay in this country, Bangladesh. I wish all the participants the very best of luck and success in their intellectual endeavours in the days and years to come. It is now my great pleasure to declare open the 15th All-Asian Debate Championship-2008.

Thank you all.