Mastermind Debating Society

Two of the biggest tournaments in the year 2023, and MMD shined yet again. For PreWorlds, MMD-1 (Salman Sakib, Raiyan Zoaher, and Tauhid Islam) broke 6th out of 66 teams with a stellar 5 wins, dropping the ballot only to WDA (who ended up breaking first) and finishing the tournament as Open-Semifinalist losing to MCPDC (champions of PreWorlds, yes, that is what we say to comfort ourselves), marking MMD's greatest PreWorlds run since 2017. MMD-2 (Farzana Trishna, Mahpara Faatin, and Areez Binte Hossain), on the other hand, failed to break due to 1 win, finishing their run with 3 wins out of 6. Areez from MMD-2 broke the 8th best open speaker ranking, and Tauhid Islam broke as the 2nd best novice speaker. PreWorlds is also a selection phase for National Camp (which is the selection phase for the national debate team), where four of our debaters made it (the most from any institution), namely: Areez, Mahpara, Raiyan, and Tauhid. Sakib and Trishna missed their spot in National Camp, falling just 1 speaker point short.

DRMC nationals, the second biggest tournament of the year, saw MMD-1 (Salman Sakib and Farzana Trishna) and MMD-3 (Tauhid Islam and Raiyan Zoaher) break open 13th and 12th, respectively. MMD-1 ended their run as open quarterfinalists, losing to their arch enemy, guess who, MMD-3. MMD-3 ended their run as open semifinalists, being the school team that went the deepest in the tournament. MMD-2 finished on 5 points, missing a novice break for a mere 1 point. As for individual achievements, Tauhid became the 9th best open speaker, the 2nd best high school speaker, and the novice debater of the tournament. Raiyan Zoaher was the third-best high school speaker. Farzana Trishna and Salman Sakib were the 6th and 9th best high school speakers, respectively.

Today, we reach out to you with heavy hearts as one of our own, Farhan Bin Liaquat, faces a formidable challenge. Recently, Farhan was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer, a severe condition that was identified unexpectedly in January 2024 which has abruptly changed his life's course.

Farhan is a key figure of our bilingual debating community who has always been a positive force, lifting others with his passion and intelligence. His sudden diagnosis has left him and his wife, alongside their families, facing an unforeseen journey, filled with challenges both emotionally and financially. Emergency treatments have commenced, aiming to battle this aggressive cancer. However, the road ahead is long and fraught with hurdles. As Farhan embarks on this tough journey towards recovery, the support from his community becomes more crucial than ever.

To donate, please use the following details:

𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤:
➊ Account Name: Farhan Liaquat
Bank Name: BRAC BANK PLC
District Name: DHAKA-NORTH
Branch Name: DHANMONDI
Account number: 1053329370001
Routing number: 60261205
SWIFT Code: BRAKBDDH

➋ Account Name: Sadifa Chowdhury
Bank Name: Bank of America
Account Number: 355008491858
Routing Number: 081000032 (Paper & Electronic)
026009593 (Wires)
Wires recieved in dollars (or if you are not sure)
SWIFT Code: BOFAUS3N
Wires recieved in foreign currency
SWIFT Code: BOFAUS6S

➌ Account name: Farhan Liaquat
Bank Name: IFIC Bank PLC
Branch Name: Banasree F Block Uposhakha (Controlling: Banasree Branch)
Account number: 0210280852851
Routing number: 120260720
SWIFT Code: IFICBDDH

➍ Account Name: AYMAN SAKIB AHMED
Account Number: 24615127166
Card Number: 012 3697 6020
Bank Name: Dutch-Bangla Bank Limited
Branch Name: Gulshan Circle-1 Branch
Routing Number: 090260463
City & Country: Dhaka, Bangladesh
SWIFT Code: DBBLBDDH116
Account Type (Current/Savings): Savings

➎ Account Name: Nazma Akhter
Account Number: 20506470200166504
Bank Name: Islami Bank Bangladesh Ltd
Branch Name: Aftabnagar Branch, Islami Bank
Branch Code: 647
Swift Code: IBBLBDDH

𝐁𝐤𝐚𝐬𝐡:
➊ 01712866891 - Nazma Akther
➊ 01600227521 - TAMANNA JAHAN EVA
➊ 01717315726 - MD AFHAD LIAQUAT

𝐍𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐝:
➊ 01680634280 - Ayman Sakib Ahmed
➋ 01682079657 - Adib Rahman Ethar

𝐔𝐩𝐚𝐲: 01842074386 - H M Sabir Noor

𝐑𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭: 01680634280 - Ayman Sakib Ahmed

PayPal - [email protected]

Following a stellar showing at the 19th BDC-IUB Pre Worlds 2022, MMDS returned to its dominant form at the fabled corridors of Scholastica Uttara for the Scholastica Interschool Debate Tournament 2023. Salman Sakib, Farzana Trishna, and Raiyan Zoaher represented Mastermind as MMD5. Following a blistering Preliminary Stage and a dominating performance in the Quarters, MMD5 finished just short of the Grand Finals, losing in the Semis. In the end, our very own Salman Sakib was awarded Best Novice Speaker & 10th Best Open Speaker.

Following a quiet spell, MMDS returned with a bang at DSDC Nationals 2023. MMD1, represented by Raiyan Zoaher and Salman Sakib, proved their caliber by making it to the Gold Finals, despite the many tantrums during prep time and several over-priced coffees. The Finals did not quite pan out in our favor (we blame the caffeine), but we ended up securing second place as the Runners-Up.

MMD1: Gold Runners-Up
Raiyan Zoaher: 3rd Best Open Speaker
Salman Sakib: 3rd Best Open Speaker and 2nd Best Novice Speaker

On the first episode of "In-Retrospect: From Words To Victories" we are hopping on a time machine and going on a journey back to 2022, where MMDS once again let the the debate circuit of Bangladesh know its presence. BDC-IUB Pre-Worlds 2022 and NDDC Nationals 2022 were testaments to the mark MMDS had left that year in their first outing after the online debating era had finally come to an end.

In NDDC Nationals 2022, the First physical tournament to be held after the agonizing two year long online debating era closed its curtains and also one of the most competitive school tournaments held that year, MMDS sent 3 teams. MMD1 comprised of Robiah Arefin and Areez Binte Hossain, MMD2 was made up of Mahpara Faatin and Eusha Samara and the novice squad MMD3 was filled in by newcomers Raiyan Zoaher and Priyanka Bhowmick. Following a weekend of dynamic discourse we did not leave empty handed, walking out with a handful of accolades.
MMD1: Open Runners-Up
MMD3: Novice Finalists
Robiah Arefin: 3rd best open speaker
Areez Binte Hossain: 4th best open speaker
Raiyan Zoaher: 2nd best novice speaker

Not long after we found ourselves at the most Prestigious competition held every year, Pre worlds, hosted this time by IUB. MMDS packed two teams for the big event, MMD1 containing seasoned veterans Robiah Arefin, Mahpara Faatin and Areez Binte Hossain and MMD5, home of plucky novices Salman Sakib Samin, Farzana Trishna Hossain and Raiyan Zoaher, Once again, MMDS didn't disappoint, coming out on the other side achievements in hand.
MMD1: Open Quarterfinalists
MMD5: Novice Semifinalists
Robiah Arefin: 8th best open speaker
Raiyan Zoaher: 2nd best novice speaker

Classes resume from Sunday, 28th January. Grab a seat and learn from the best coaches! Take this opportunity to continue the impressive legacy of MMDS!

MMDS continues to shine on the world stage!

Through the years, countless debaters from MMDS have been chosen to represent Bangladesh in the World School Debating Championiship stage. Carrying this baton forward, the one who made it to team BD this year is none other our very own Raiyan Zoaher!

Raiyan Zoaher, from class XII, Cambridge, has faced many hurdles in his path to debating greatness, crunching debate videos at ungodly hours and prepping cases for fun during break time. However, throughout this, the members of MMDS have always known him to be a witty, funny and kind friend. His talent has spoken for itself time and time again, and thus, we expect big things from him at the world stage.

MMDS cheers Raiyan Zoaher on his road to Serbia!

🏆 Exciting News from Mastermind Debate Society 🏆

We are thrilled to announce that Raiyan Zohaer, a distinguished member of Mastermind Debate Society, has earned the honor of representing Team Bangladesh at the esteemed World Schools Debating Championship in Serbia this year. 🇧🇩

Amidst intense competition, Raiyan emerged as one of the top 5 debaters selected by the Bangladesh Debating Council after rigorous evaluations. This achievement reflects Raiyan's dedication, talent, and exceptional debating skills.

As Raiyan dons the red and green to participate in the Eastern European nation, we, at MMDS, couldn't be prouder. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Raiyan for the exciting adventures that lie ahead. 🌍✨

Let us unite in celebrating this remarkable accomplishment and wish Raiyan Zohaer the very best on this prestigious journey! 🎉👏

Introducing our newest addition

From a (not so humble) novice in 2022 all the way to representing Bangladesh in Vietnam WSDC in 2023, Robiah Arefin has proven to be a gem in the circuit. While he still cannot type for the life of him, he remains one of the best debaters in the history of MMDS who has re-joined the family as a Coach. A relentlessly dedicated and fierce competitor, Robiah has helped Bangladesh smash records, breaking 3rd among 66 countries in WSDC for the very first time. MMDS awaits newer heights as Robiah Arefin does what he does best. Win.

ACHIEVEMENTS
WSDC '23: Octo-Finalist & 3rd Breaking Team
AWSDC '23: Open-Quarter-Finalist & 3rd Breaking Team
Thistle Cup '23: Open-Runner Up & 3rd Breaking Team
Hadzabe Pre-WUDC '22: Open-Runner Up & Overall Best Speaker
PreWorlds '22: Quarter-Finalist & 8th Best Speaker

Greetings from the Executive Committee of session 2023-24! Time to take MMDS to greater heights!

Executive Committee of '24:
Areez Binte Hossain
Salman Sakib
Farzana Trishna Hossain
Tauhid Islam
Raiyan Zoaher

Looking forward to more years of success and excellence!

We are excited to inform you that the recruitment process for Executive Committee members for the 2022-23 session is now underway. You can register by either scanning the Quick Response (QR) code provided below or by using the following link: https://forms.gle/nuaDRXrrAo3CQVzNA Deadline for registration: Thursday, 07/09/2023 N.B.: This is only applicable for current A2 batch (Batch 2024), Dhanmondi Branch.

We, executive committee members, are profoundly disturbed and shocked by the coming to light of several allegations of sexual harassment against Kaushik Sarkar, a recent Batch-23 graduate of Mastermind English Medium School. Having confirmed the veracity of those accusations, Mastermind Debating Society is left with no choice except to condemn his actions in the strongest of terms.

The upliftment of our student body
-that is the sole goal of the clubs at this distinguished institution of ours.
We have always aimed to create fun-filled, healthy spaces that reflect and promote the students' interests, hobbies, and aspirations.
It is with great shame that we say that Kaushik Sarkar's conduct has violated each and every one of our principles and stands against everything that we aim to be.

To the victims, we offer our condolences. We admire the courage they have shown in speaking out against the injustices they have suffered. To those who helped shed light on the matter, we extend our gratitude for standing up for what is right.

We ardently hope that these incidents remain the last of their kind to involve the students of our school. At the same time, we pray that justice be served to those who deserve it, here and everywhere else.

Currently, the executive committee members are taking necessary steps to ensure a safer, more welcoming environment.

We are back! Information for when classes start and when you have to be there are given below. Hope to see you there!

The World Schools Debate Championship is the final destination for school debaters. Every year, debaters from all over the country and all sorts of backgrounds fight for a spot in Team BD. Among hundreds of debaters, only five people emerge victorious. It’s a crazy competitive world out there. Everything is so uncertain till the very last minute because our country hosts so many talents.

If there is one person, who makes this dream seem attainable — expected even — it’s Robiah Arefin

He built everything up with pure hard work and unimaginable zeal. From watching more debating workshops in one day than most debaters do in entire months to sparring nearly everyday for a year, from ninth best novice speaker in Pre-Worlds 2021 to Team BD material in one year, he is the embodiment of 'some dreams do come true.'

Congratulations Robiah Arefin on the extraordinary achievement and returning MMDS to its glory days. Make the nation proud now.

As the new year begins, here are some updates on the recent successes of MMDS to get the blood pumping!

Hello from the new Executive Committee for 2023!

President: Robiah Arefin
Vice-President: Aiman Imtiaz Alam
General Secretary: Eusha Samara

We hope this journey is going to be one of many successes and glory!

This is us officially signing in.

Mastermind Debating Society (MMDS) is not just a club, but a legion that has been succeeding in debate tournaments globally for years now.

Home to some of the best debaters Bangladesh has ever seen, MMDS boasts an innumerable number of wins,
elevating itself to the status of being one of the most accomplished debate clubs in Bangladesh.

The debaters, mentored by the highly experienced MMDS coaches, have dominated on international grounds at tournaments held in USA, Vietnam and Thailand and have also represented Bangladesh at World School Debating Championships (WSDC) for four times now, an honour only given to the top five debaters of the country.

More importantly, MMDS has created a tight-knit community of enthusiastic and driven individuals who uplift one another.

Join us to be a part of Mastermind Debate Society's family and bring glory to Mastermind!

Regular debate classes will be starting after the summer vacation.

Here are some of the highlights of Mastermind Debating Society:

Mastermind Debating Society is back with offline debate classes! Offline orientation classes will be held from 6th June to 16th June, 2022 and official classes will begin after the summer vacation.

The classes will be conducted by our Head Coach, Asif Mehedi Adi and Junior Coach, Shabab Quaderi.

If you're interested, feel free to show up and get to know the world of debating!

For the class schedule and more information, refer to the post below.

Mastermind Debating Society is proud to announce that MMD 1 consisting of Mahpara Faatin, Raiyan Zoaher and Robiah Arefin Ibn Mahmud ended their run as Open Octo-finalists in the 18th BDC Pre Worlds 2021.

Moreover, Robiah Arefin secured the 9th best novice speaker position at the tournament.

MMD 2 consisting of Aiman Imtiaz Alam, Farzana Trishna Hossain and Priyanka Bhowmik also participated and performed tenaciously as novices.

MMDS congratulates these talented debaters and wishes the best for their future endeavours.