From January 31 to February 2, Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) hosted MISTDS IV 1.0 – an inter-university debate tournament organised by the Department of Science & Humanities (SH) and led by the MIST Debating Society (MISTDS). The event was inaugurated by the Head of Department, SH, and Chief Adviser, Col Shirajul Islam Ukil, MPhil, PhD, alongside the club moderator, Lt Col Md Jafar Sharif, PhD, Sigs.

Since its debut in 2011 by Mechanical Engineering student Maliha Maisha Rahman, MISTDS has nurtured critical thinking, public speaking, and intellectual discussions, gaining national and international recognition. With the motto "Think out of the box", the debating society continues to push the boundaries of debate.

Similar is the case with MISTDS IV 1.0 which featured 36 debate teams from 22 universities, competing in the British Parliamentary format. The tournament progressed through four preliminary rounds, a pre-semi round, a semi-final round, and the grand finale. The event, which was Harry Potter-themed, created a magical atmosphere where debaters seemed to cast spells with their arguments.

The final four teams at the tournament were BUP Z, BUP-1 – both from Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) – NSU AA – from North South University – and IUTDS Red Tapestry – from Islamic University of Technology. The grand finale took place on February 2 at the MIST General Mustafiz Multipurpose Hall where BUP 01 emerged as champions. NSU AA were the runners-up in the competition. Alvi Tonoy and Zil Jawsan Zihan – both from BUP – won the "Debater of the Tournament" and "Debater of the Final" awards respectively.

A significant moment during the award-giving ceremony was the remembrance of former MISTDS vice president and CSE student, Shaikh Ashabul Yamin, by the tournament's Chief guest and MIST Commandant Maj Gen Md Nasim Parvez, BSP, ndc, afwc, psc. Yamin had lost his life in the July Movement, but his dream of uniting debaters lived on through this tournament.

Led by the MIST Central Debate Captain and the tournament director Aunindya Prosad Saha, MISTDS ensured an unforgettable experience. The organisers expressed their gratitude to the event's adjudicators, equity officers, volunteers, faculty members, and sponsors.

MISTDS IV 1.0 was more than a competition; it was a celebration of free thought, fearless expression, and the power of words.

Fatima Ashraf is a contributor for Campus - The Daily Star.