Started on March 18, 2016, BFF-SAMAKAL National Science Debate 2016 concluded on June 04, 2016. The Grand Finale was held at Dhaka Residential Model College auditorium on June 03-04, 2016. This is the 4th time BFF and The Daily Samakal organized this national event since 2013. The major objective of this contest was to promote and popularize science through the participation of higher secondary students at a debate contest across the country.

A number of 1,560 debaters as representatives of 520 high schools of 64 districts participated in this contest. The district and divisional level contest ended on May 07, 2016. Champions of divisional level and Dhaka metropolitan city contested at the final round. The primary round held in all 64 districts. The district champion got the chance to compete in the regional level. The whole country was divided into 9 regions.

• Dhaka-1 comprising of selected 8 districts of Dhaka division,
• Dhaka-2 comprising of Dhaka district including Dhaka city,
• Chittagong comprising of all 8 districts of Chittagong division,
• Sylhet comprising of 5 districts,
• Rajshahi comprising of 7 districts,
• Rangpur comprising of 7 districts,
• Khulna comprising of 8 districts,
• Barisal comprising of 8 districts,
• Mymensingh comprising of 5 districts

Kishorganj S V Government Girls’ High School team won the championship defeating Viqarunnisa Noon School and College, Dhaka in the final. Safwat Saima Arpi, team leader of the champion team, was awarded as the best debater. Other semifinalist teams were Bohumukhi Collegiate School, Bagerhat and Government Agrogami Gils School, Sylhet. The Champion team was awarded by a champion trophy, individual medal and individual laptop. The judges panels in local and national sessions were formed with the former debater, educationalist, college teachers, activist of the debating clubs, judges in television debates.

Begum Matia Chowdhury MP, Honourable Minister of Agriculture attended the closing and prize giving ceremony as a chief guest on June 04, 2016.Dr. Dr. Rezaur Rahman, Former Chief Scientist of Atomic Energy Commission and Honourable Trustee of BFF; Executive Editor of SAMAKAL Mr. Mustafiz Shafi and Executive Director of BFF Mr. Sazzadur Rahman Chowdhury; Mr. Atiqul Haque, Managing Director, BANGAS Limited; Abdur Rahman Khan Rana, Director, Agami Education Foundation; Mr. Sirajul Islam Abed, Coordinator, Surid Samabesh,(readers’ forum) Samakal also spoke at the program. Principal of DRMC Brigadier General Abdul Hannan chaired the session.

Begum Matia Chowdhury MP said that the flow of information will enhance the opportunity of science education. At the same time, cyber crimes and abuse of internet should be regulated. He urged to the debaters to enrich themselves with this kind of opportunities and to stand beside one another. He informed the audience about the initiatives taken by the government to improve agriculture and gene technologies in Bangladesh.

Prominent Scientist Rezaul Karim talked about the allocations for education in fiscal budget. He informed that budget allocation in education is the lowest in percentage among other south Asian nations in Bangladesh. He emphasized on the eligible science teachers in rural education. Chief Guest awarded the prize to the winners. Sazzadur Rahman Chowdhury Thanked to the partners and sponsors for their contribution and cooperation to the program. He expressed his eagerness to organize this competition at a large and more organized way in future.

Journalists, civil society members, GO-NGO personals attended the district and divisional level contest.