Press Release
13 October, 2026, 11:35 am
Last modified: 13 October, 2026, 11:41 am
Dhaka University's Department of Development Studies won the national inter-university debate competition "BRAC Presents Debate for Resilience 2026", defeating Bangladesh University of Textiles Debating Club in the grand final.
The final, panel discussion and award presentation ceremony took place yesterday (12 October) at Dhaka University's Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium to mark the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, according to the press release.
The Debating Wing of the Institute of Disaster Management and Vulnerability Studies organised the event in collaboration with BRAC's Disaster Risk Management Programme under the theme "Safer Homes, Stronger Tomorrow".
In the final, the teams debated the motion, "This House believes that structural and institutional reforms are more vital than individual awareness in disaster risk reduction."
The Department of Development Studies, speaking for the government bench, emerged as champion, while Bangladesh University of Textiles Debating Club finished as runner-up.
Israt Jahan Ivy was named Best Speaker of the final, and Ahnaf Amir Onabil received the Debater of the Tournament award.
Following the debate, a panel discussion titled "Transboundary Hazards, Localising Actions: Bridging the Gap in Preparedness and Response" was held.
Professor Dr Mahbuba Nasreen of the institute moderated the discussion.
Panellists included Kazi Amdadul Hoque, senior director of strategic planning and head of climate action at Friendship; Hasin Jahan, regional director of WaterAid South Asia; ASM Marjan Nur, climate and environment adviser at the British High Commission; and Md Ziaul Haque, additional director general of the Department of Environment.
The discussion highlighted the importance of safe, disaster-resilient housing and extending preparedness measures to hard-to-reach areas, including chars, coastal zones and haors.
Panellists examined the challenges faced by women, children, older people and persons with disabilities, alongside the need for water, sanitation and hygiene services.
They also discussed bringing climate finance and technology to marginalised communities and strengthening institutional coordination and accountability to address gaps between policy and implementation.
Speakers emphasised proactive investment and the development of local leadership capacity rather than relying on repairs after disasters.