Debate is an art, a systematic form of presentation of argument of logic to get through the harbor of truth, the ultimate light of our life. An enlightened society based on democracy, justice and peace is achieved by debating over the conflicting issues or topics of life equity and society in large. Debate is a spirit, a force, a moral power to overcome the obstacles to development and progress. And in this regard, Socrates is the pioneer of debating to explore truth of God and His creation. The origins of the concept of civil society trace back to the communal life in the Greek city-state, Socrates proposed that 'dialectic', a form of public argument to uncover truth, was imperative to ensure 'civility' and 'good life' of the people in contrast to the barbarity of the citizens (O'Brien 1999) Socrates's famous student Plato also proposed his ideal state to be just and asked people to dedicate to the common good and to practice civic virtues of wisdom, courage and justice. The importance of debate is highly focused by numerous scholars, philosophers, politicians, religious clerics and bureaucrats. Desmond Tutu is one of South Africa's most well-known human rights activists, the first Black Anglican Archbishop and winner of Nobel Peace Prize emphasized on debate saying : Don't raise your voice, improve your argument." Joseph Joubert says, It is better to debate a question without setting it than to setting a question without debating it."

Keeping such views in mind, Panjeree-Chandpur Kantha Debate Competition appeared as a light house for the students of Chandpur district. Fourteen years ago, Rtn. Adv. Iqbal Bin-Basher, the founder of The Daily Chandpur kantha and its chief editor Rtn. Kazi Shahadat became the pioneer of introducing debate competition in Chandpur district and their noble mission has successfully reached its 12th year creating thousands of debaters. Later Kamrul Hasan Shayak, owner of Panjeree Publications and CKDF (Chandpur Kantha Debate Foundation) being associate partner of the event took the competition to a glorious height. Till last time, Panjeree-Chandpur Kantha Debate Competition was held only in Bengali medium but this year Panjeree-Chandpur Kantha Debate Competition is going to stage English debate for the second time in Chandpur. Though only 08 teams are allowed to take part in the competition this year, I believe that this English Debate competition will also create a stirring among the learners of whole Chandpur district and will turn to be another milestone achievement for Panjeree- Chandpur Kantha Debate family in the coming years.

Writer : Senior specialist, NCTB