Pointing to the Awami League's 15-and-a-half years of misrule, Prime Minister's Political Advisor Nazrul Islam Khan said that various institutions of the country have been destroyed. "It is far more than we had thought." He attributed this devastation to partisanship (party-ization), nepotism (family-ization), corruption, misconduct, and appointing incompetent people to key positions.
He made these remarks as the chief guest at an event organized by Debate for Democracy at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) on Saturday (21 February) afternoon. The event was held to honor and award the winning teams of the Election Debate Competition-2026.
Prime Minister's Political Advisor Nazrul Islam Khan stated, "Various institutions of the country have been destroyed. It is far more than we had imagined. This catastrophe has occurred due to partisanship, nepotism, corruption, misconduct, and placing incompetent individuals in positions of responsibility."He further said, "We have no choice but to work standing on the ruins left behind by the Awami League. We must move forward by overcoming this. There is no other way. We have to move ahead." At the same time, he called on everyone to cooperate with the government from their respective positions.
In his presidential address, Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron said that people's expectations from the election were very high. "This election was not merely a change of power. It was an election to restore citizens' dignity, to return state power to the hands of the people, and to free the nation from the stigma of the disgraceful elections held under the previous government." He added that through a ballot revolution, the people have entrusted the BNP with the responsibility of running the state.He further noted, "We are already observing that after assuming the responsibilities of Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman, along with his cabinet and advisors, is sending multifaceted messages aimed at establishing a government of the people, restoring lost democracy, ensuring good governance, and accountability. This is making us optimistic. We hope that under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the newly formed government will gradually implement the promises given in their election manifesto."
Among others who spoke as guests at the event were: Vice-Chancellor of State University Professor Dr. Md. Akhtar Hossain Khan, Professor Abu Mohammad Rois, Professor Dr. Nahreen Islam Khan, Professor Dr. Afroza Begum, and Professor Sikta Das.
In the competition organized by Debate for Democracy, State University of Bangladesh became the champion, Eden Mohila College secured first runner-up, and Tejgaon College became second runner-up. The best speaker was selected as Masnun Nabilah Alam from Eden Mohila College.
The champion team received BDT 200,000, first runner-up BDT 150,000, and second runner-up BDT 100,000 as prize money. In addition, all winning teams were awarded trophies, crests, and certificates. The best speaker received BDT 50,000, along with a trophy, crest, and certificate.
