DRU Debating Club Begins its Journey
by Maksuda Lisa (Dhaka Bureau)
In a bid to accelerate press freedom, free thought, and the practice of non-violent journalism, a unique platform for journalists has been launched for the first time in Bangladesh. Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU), one of the largest and most traditional organizations of professional journalists in the country, has established a ‘Debating Club’ for its members.
The club was officially inaugurated on Sunday (May 24, 2026) through a grand ceremony at the Shafiqul Kabir Auditorium of DRU in Dhaka. The core objective of this initiative is to foster analytical skills, logical reasoning, and intellectual practices among journalists.
The State Minister for Primary and Mass Education of Bangladesh, Bobby Hajjaj, MP, graced the inauguration ceremony as the Chief Guest. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of press freedom and pointed out governmental shortcomings in building a welfare state.
The State Minister said, ‘When there was no opportunity for free discussion anywhere else in the country, Dhaka Reporters Unity has always seamlessly created that space. We want DRU to provide a platform for those who wish to criticize the current government as well. Because without criticism, we will not be able to rectify our mistakes.’
Wishing the club overall success, he assured the provision of necessary sponsorship and support from the government.
Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron, Chairman of ‘Debate for Democracy’ and a prominent debater of the country, addressed the event as the Special Guest. He praised the humanitarian role of DRU during various national crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
He noted that, alongside journalism, the practice of debate is a powerful tool against social anomalies and injustices. He called upon journalists to retain public trust through investigative and objective journalism.
The current President of DRU, Abu Saleh Akon, recalled the historical and courageous role of the organization in his speech. He said that during the July movement, when student leaders could not find any venue to hold their programs, DRU stood by them. DRU will always remain steadfast in support of democracy and the rights of the oppressed.
The General Secretary of the organization, Mynul Hasan Sohel, said that through this platform, journalists’ analytical capabilities regarding contemporary global and national issues will be further enhanced.
M M Jasim, the Convenor of the club and Organizing Secretary of the organization, highlighted the goals and future work plans of the DRU Debating Club. He stated that the vision of this club is not limited to the local level. The DRU Debating Club will work towards enabling debaters from the Bangladeshi journalist community to participate in international competitions and exchange global perspectives on critical issues such as democracy, good governance and non-violent journalism.
Presided over by DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and moderated by General Secretary Mynul Hasan Sohel, the event was attended by the top leadership of the organization and members of the Debating Club.
Speeches were also delivered by DRU Vice-President Mehdi Azad Masum, Joint Secretary Jafar Iqbal, Women’s Affairs Secretary Jannatul Ferdous Panna, IT and Training Secretary Mahmud Sohel, Executive Member Mahfuz Sadi, as well as the Member Secretary of the DRU Debating Club Sheikh Mohammad Arif and Member Asif Sumit.
Among others present at the event were DRU Finance Secretary Niaz Mahmud Sohel, Office Secretary Md. Rashim Mollah, Publicity and Publication Secretary Mizan Chowdhury, Cultural Secretary Monowar Hossain, Executive Member Mazaharul Islam, Debating Society Member Kazi Shahidul Alam and general members.
Prominent media personalities and experts view this initiative as a landmark step toward fostering free thinking and building a non-violent society in South Asian journalism.
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The Writer:
Maksuda Lisa: Senior journalist and Contributor, Pressenza- Dhaka Bureau.
