Mock debate show raises funds for flood victims

Abed Khan (front) presenting his arguments; sitting behind him are (from left) Asaduzzaman Noor, Mahadev Shaha and Rafique Azad

Three debates in three different formats and on three different motions were presented in this programme. Eminent poets of the country Rafique Azad and Mahadev Shaha along with famous actor-turned-politician Asaduzzaman Noor and editor of the Dainik Bhorer Kagoj Abed Khan were the debaters of the first debate. ''Tis time for the politicians not the poets to walk against the wind' was the motion. Speaker of this parliamentary-styled round was Kazi Tinni Binte Zinnat, a student of class ten from Viqarunnisa Noon School & College.

Interestingly, the two poets had to speak in favour of the topic while politician Noor and political observer Abed Khan had to satnd against it. Rafique Azad cited from the prehistoric days that poets were never considered to be a part of the nation. 'Plato banished the poets from his ideal state. Even today when millions live in terrible misery caused by drastic flood, a poet has much more to do than writing verses,' he said.

The second speaker Noor however opposed the poet. He raised the question that if asked who is to blame for the present state of the country, undoubtedly everyone would point at the politicians. 'Politicians have little sense in serving the people and keeping words,' he said. Assessing himself as a politician Noor said, 'Look at me--I was supposed to arrive by 5pm whereas I reached at 6:15pm. This is our sense of being punctual! I used to act in front of the camera; now I act in the parliament with other politicians. Poets are not like that.'

Poet Mahadev Shaha assessed once again how wrong it is to consider the poets as leaders of the nation. 'Poets and politics can never mix. Poets seek isolation and long for alienation. Therefore it is impossible and unrealistic to hope for their leadership,' he argued.

The last debater Abed Khan spoke of a hopeful dream. He foresees the poets as 'the lighthouse amid the sea of hopelessness'. 'In the darkest hour they are the healing power,' he said. He pointed out how the simple verses lifted the spirits of the freedom fighters in the country during 1971. 'Therefore, they alone can guide us through the turmoil which we badly need at present, he concluded.

Credits should go to the young Speaker who conducted the mock parliamentary debate with these eminent figures. Though ended without any result, the debate was an enjoyable one.

The second debate was presented on 'Neutralism in our country is synonymous to hypocrisy', while 'Dreams come to life only in dreams today' was the topic of the final debate.

The money raised from this charity show will be donated for the flood affected people.