The Group defeated the Dhaka University Debating Society (DUDS) in the final round of the festival held at the Russian Cultural Centre in the city.

Biplab Kumar of the winning team was adjudged the best debater. Abir Kusum Pal of the Group of Debaters became the first, Asif Newaz of North South University the second and Tusher Dutta of Notre Dame College became third in an open debate that took place at Holy Cross College on July 30.

Mahfuz Anam, editor of The Daily Star, and Sister Marian Teresa, principal of Holy Cross College, gave away the prizes at the closing ceremony.

The motion of the parliamentary debate in the final round was 'The key reason for trade imbalance in the South Asian region is the monopolistic attitude of India.'

A total of 13 debating clubs of different colleges and universities took part in the festival that began on July 28 with the slogan 'May the global conflicts be resolved through exercise of logic'.

A humorous debate session and another debate between the 'creator and the creation' also took place yesterday.

A debater posing as famous painter Leonardo da Vinci while another posing as Mona Lisa took part in the new format of debate that gained much appreciation from the audience.

"I am very impressed by the format of the intellectually challenging debate that requires historical knowledge and analytical capability. There is enough scope of showing creativity in this form of debate," said Mahfuz Anam.

The inner significance of the debate is the exercise of logic that helps students improve their skills of thinking independently and creatively, he said.

"One of the reasons that we are slow in developing ourselves is that we are not logical in our thinking," Anam added.

Sister Marian Teresa said her college makes the utmost effort to build character of the students and organising the debate is one of its important activities.

"We hope that the students through these activities will develop their creativity and will be able to lead the country in future," she said.

Holy Cross Debating Club Moderator Tahmina Rahman also spoke.

On the occasion, 'Krit Kathan' a publication of the Holy Cross Debating Club, was also launched.

The club also awarded its members for their best efforts to make the festival a success.