Abrar Farhan Zaman
In the early days of online debating in Bangladesh, we were a group of friends driven by a common passion: to democratize access to debating. Our platform, aptly named Online Debates, emerged from a desire to break down the barriers that often hindered participation in traditional debating circuits. With exorbitant registration fees and limited opportunities for practice, many aspiring debaters found themselves locked out of the sport they loved. We sought to change that.
Unlike conventional tournaments, Online Debates offered a refreshing alternative. We waved goodbye to hefty registration fees and instead focused on fostering a supportive community where debaters of all backgrounds could thrive. Central to our ethos was the idea of inclusivity—we wanted debating to be accessible to anyone with an internet connection and a willingness to learn.
To facilitate growth and development, we organized sparring sessions with seasoned judges on a regular basis. These sessions not only provided invaluable feedback but also served as a platform for debaters to refine their skills in a supportive environment. We believed in nurturing talent from the ground up, and our efforts soon began to bear fruit.
Debate Excerpt
One of the most memorable events in the history of Online Debates was the ‘Oratoricals’ tournament, hosted right in the comfort of my own home. Friends and colleagues gathered, armed with laptops and fueled by enthusiasm, as we transformed my living room into a hub of intellectual exchange. With nothing more than a stable Wi-Fi connection, Discord, and a Facebook event page, we orchestrated a tournament that exceeded all expectations.
Looking back, it’s surreal to think how far we’ve come. In those early days, names like Jami, Seeam, and Rafiush were yet to become synonymous with excellence in the debating circuit. Jami wasn’t yet recognized as one of the finest judges in the world, Seeam hadn’t embarked on his remarkable streak of back-to-back victories in championships, and Rafiush hadn’t yet earned his place on the national debate team. As for myself, I never could have predicted the three-year hiatus from the sport that lay ahead before I would make a triumphant return.
But despite the passage of time and the twists and turns of life, the memories of those pioneering days remain etched in my mind. They serve as proof of the power of passion, friendship, and a shared vision for change. As I reflect on our journey, I am filled with pride knowing that we played a small part in shaping the landscape of debating in Bangladesh. And while our paths may have diverged since those early days, the spirit of Online Debates lives on.
