Press Release
Dhaka, 08 November 2025: The Inter University Anti-Corruption Debate Competition 2025 organized by Transparency International Bangladesh or TIB concluded with a firm resolve to combat corruption. Dhaka University Debating Society emerged as the champion of the competition. In the final held today at the CCDB Hope Centre in Savar, Rajshahi University Debating Forum became the runner up. Farim Ahsan from Jahangirnagar University was named the best debater of the competition while Miftahul Jannat Rifat from Dhaka University was honored as the best debater of the final. A total of 32 debate teams from across the country participated in this edition.
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of TIB, handed over the prizes to the winners at the closing ceremony. Mohammad Tauhidul Islam, Director of Outreach and Communication at TIB, was also present on the occasion.
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman stated that debaters are key allies in the social movement against corruption. He noted that the values of debate and anti-corruption are intertwined and a true debater can never engage in corruption. He emphasized that debate enlightens us and sharpens the practice of accountability and transparency while fostering mutual empathy which is an integral part of anti-corruption values.
Highlighting four essential elements for preventing corruption, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman mentioned political will, justice for corruption allegations, ensuring institutional capacity and integrity, and public resistance. He asserted that there is no alternative to political will for effective corruption prevention and those at the center of power must be committed to this. Secondly, it is crucial to ensure justice by holding individuals accountable regardless of their position or identity. Thirdly, all state institutions including the Anti-Corruption Commission or ACC must play an effective role. He clarified that preventing corruption is not the sole responsibility of the ACC. Other state organs such as the National Parliament, law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and the administration must establish anti-corruption practices. Above all, the youth must be prepared to lead this movement as they have historically driven major changes in Bangladesh from 1952 to 2024.
Director Mohammad Tauhidul Islam thanked the participants and judges for the successful three-day residential event. He remarked that debate offers more opportunities for learning than just winning and it improves the mind and intellect. As part of promoting gender equality, each team and jury panel was required to include at least one female member. The champion team will receive 50,000 BDT, the runner up 30,000 BDT, and the best debater 10,000 BDT along with crests and certificates.
Media Contact:
Mohammad Tauhidul Islam
Director, Outreach and Communication
Phone: +8801713107868
ই-মেইল: tauhidul@ti-bangladesh.org
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