The four-day JU Debate National Festival 2026 kicked off today (Friday, 13 November) at Jahangirnagar University (JU). The festival, organised by Jahangirnagar University Debate Organisation (JUDO), is being held under the slogan 'Let the machine of destruction stop in the audacity of life'.

Three phases of competition

The first phase of the festival features the 21st Inter-University Debate Competition today, 13 November. The 15th Inter-College Debate Competition will be held the following day, 14 November. The Inter-School Debate Competition is scheduled for 20 November. The prize-giving and closing ceremony of the festival will take place on Saturday, 21 November.

Participants and scope

Debaters from 32 schools, 32 colleges and 32 universities across the country are expected to participate in this year's national debate festival. According to the organisers, more than five hundred people, including debaters and judges, are expected to take part collectively across the three phases of the festival.