Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moin Khan has urged students to engage in debating, cultural activities and other creative pursuits alongside their academic studies.

He made the call while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the ‘DUDS-ActionAid National Debate Festival 2026’ as the chief guest at the TSC Auditorium of Dhaka University on Saturday.

The minister said students are the future leaders of the country and will take responsibility in various fields over the next 10, 15 or 20 years. Therefore, they need to start preparing for the future from now, he said.

He stressed that students should not neglect their studies even if they become involved in politics, social activities or economics. The development of education and extracurricular activities together is essential for creating capable citizens and future leaders, he added.

Dr Moin said debating plays an important role in developing students’ logical thinking, communication skills and leadership qualities. However, merely participating in debate competitions is not enough; students should also engage in various creative and extracurricular activities to develop their overall knowledge and skills.

Recalling his student days, the minister said he used to participate in debate competitions as a student of Fazlul Huq Hall at Dhaka University nearly 60 years ago. He also recalled that he had represented the hall and won the championship for three consecutive years.

The minister said one of the special strengths of the student community is its ability to speak out against injustice and irregularities. Students have played an important role in bringing about significant changes at different points in Bangladesh’s history, he said, urging the younger generation to use this strength and sense of responsibility positively.

Dr Moin said quality education and universities are among the key foundations of a country’s progress. A country can advance sustainably in the long term by building on knowledge, research and education, he said.

He called on teachers and students to properly fulfill their respective responsibilities to uphold the glorious heritage of Dhaka University.

Thanking the organizers of the debate festival, he said the debating society should not be limited to organizing debate competitions but should be developed as an effective platform for advancing the university’s academic and extracurricular activities.

Through such initiatives, he said, a new generation enriched with knowledge, skills, values and leadership qualities can be developed, enabling them to contribute to enhancing Bangladesh’s position and dignity globally.

The national debate festival, organized by the Dhaka University Debating Society (DUDS) and ActionAid, features 24 teams from universities across the country.