IUB Ascension 2018 is taking debate far, far away

IUB's cafeteria was modeled after Joyce Byer's house from 'Stranger Things'On Thursday when the students of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) walked onto their familiar campus, the amphitheater invoked memories of a place far, far away. This is because IUB Ascension 2018 is themed on science fiction—and their well-trodden courtyard now features spaceships straight from the “Star Wars” universe. 

IUB Ascension 2018, the biggest international debate fest of South Asia, began today at IUB at 2pm. The event continues tomorrow and the following day; and  Cryptic Fate and Nemesis are all set to take the stage tomorrow to rock the participants of the tournament. 

The cafeteria is modeled after Joyce Byers' house from “Stranger Things,” with flickering Christmas light-bulbs. There is also a replica of DeLorean's time machine from “Back to the Future,” at the entrance. 

The registration booth for the event opened at 2pm, as promised by the organizers for the record number of 116 teams, including 50 international debaters.

IUB Ascension 2018 kicked off with an impromptu flash mob at the grand auditorium. Some of the debaters and adjudicators were part of it—as well as a storm trooper from “Star Wars.”