The ‘Robi-Drishti Debate Championship 2026,’ one of the country's largest debate competitions, officially kicked off in Chattogram on Friday with a grand opening ceremony at the Theater Institute auditorium.

Sponsored by Robi Axiata PLC, a total of 56 educational institutions—including 32 schools from Chattogram metropolis and 24 universities and debating clubs from across Bangladesh—are participating in the tournament. The week-long debate festival will conclude with the final round and closing ceremony on October 9.

This year's event marks the 31st Inter-School and 20th Inter-University Debate Competition organized by Drishti Chattogram.

Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain inaugurated the championship as the chief guest.

Robi Axiata PLC Chief Corporate and Regulatory Officer Barrister Shahed Alam, corporate personality and songwriter Asif Iqbal, Robi’s Senior Cluster Market Director Sheikh Mainul Islam, and General Manager (Sustainability) Mahfuz Sohel Rony attended the event as special guests.

Chaired by Drishti Chattogram Founder Masud Bakul, the opening ceremony was addressed, among others, by Tournament Committee Chairman Kashfatul Haq Shehjad, Convener Saifuddin Munna, Tournament Director Saber Shah, and former Drishti President Saif Chowdhury.

Emphasizing logic-based thinking and knowledge practice among students, CCC Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain said, "Debate is not merely a competition; it is a vital medium for developing logic, tolerance, and leadership qualities."

Highlighting Robi's 16-year continuous support as co-organizer, Barrister Shahed Alam said, "Robi believes that proper nurturing of human imagination can bring great positive outcomes for the nation."

Corporate personality Asif Iqbal urged the youth to engage in organized logical discussions, cultural activities, and respect differing opinions.

Drishti Chattogram Founder Masud Bakul highlighted the organization's 31-year legacy of hosting inter-school and 20-year history of inter-university debate competitions while praising Robi’s steadfast partnership over the last 16 years.

Senior organizer of Drishti Chattogram Shahidul Islam, Competition Committee Convener and Joint Convener Jewel Ahmed, Tournament Committee Deputy Directors Sadman Sakib Jisan and Sumaiya Islam, Coordinator Munna Mazumder, School Competition Committee Coordinator Yasin Sakib, Co-coordinator Junaid Asad, Media and Communication Committee Head Mujibul Hoque, Joint Head Mehraj Bin Alam, and Hospitality Committee Joint Head Arafat Kabir were also present at the event.

Media and Communication Committee Head Mujibul Hoque expressed optimism that this gathering of the nation's finest debaters will further enrich Chattogram’s traditional debate culture.