The debate competition was divided into three categories -- school, college and university. Chittagong Collegiate School, Mohsin College and Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (Cuet) seized this year's championship in their respective categories.

The runners-up are Silver Bell's Girls' High School, Government City College and Chittagong University (CU).

Takbirul Islam of Collegiate School, Urmi Atandrila of Mohsin College and Zinia Akhter of CU were adjudged the best debaters.

Drishty Debate Club organised the competition at the Theatre Institute Chittagong (TIC) auditorium under the auspices of The Daily Star and Mutual Trust Bank.

A total of 16 schools, eight colleges and eight universities of the port city took part in the debate held in parliamentary style.

Chairman of Mutual Trust Bank Samson H Chowdhury attended the prize giving ceremony as the chief guest while former adviser to the caretaker government Syed Manzur Elahi was present as the guest of honour.

Resident editor of the daily Prothom Alo poet Abul Momen presided over the ceremony attended by Executive Consultant and Founder-Managing Director of Mutual Trust Bank Mosharraf Hossain, Vice-Chairman Dr Arif Ud Daula, Managing Director Kazi Shafiqur Rahman and Drishty Vice-President Rashedul Amin Rashed.

Speaking on the occasion, Samson H Chowdhury called on the students not to be confined to textbooks only. Rather, they should also obtain knowledge from society, which will help them steer the country towards development, he added.

He also hoped that such debate competitions would provide students an opportunity to expand their knowledge base.

Syed Manzur Elahi said, "Reading enriches the mind, but healthy debate and discussion polishes it."

Terming students the 'builders of future Bangladesh', poet Abul Momen called on them to build a society based on logic.

Drishty President Masud Bakul gave the address of welcome while Vice-President Rashedul Amin Rashed gave the vote of thanks.

The adjudicating panel of the final round of the debate comprised Dr Masud Rana, Advocate Mili Chowdhury, Prof Tahurin Sabur of Chittagong University and Chittagong Bureau Chief of The Daily Star Shahidul Islam Bachchu.

Drishty President Masud Bakul and Joint Secretary of Bangladesh Debate Federation Adnan Mannan moderated the debates as speakers.