DHAKA : The 3rd edition of ‘bKash-Bigganchinta Science Festival’ concluded at St. Joseph Higher Secondary School in the city with an inspiring day-long celebration showcasing the brilliance and creativity of young science enthusiasts from across the country. The grand finale featured exhibitions of innovative, research-based science projects, exciting quiz competitions, and a variety of engaging activities that fostered scientific curiosity among students, a press release said.
At the national level, the project ‘The Salting Out’ by Arib Bin Faruq and Saim Ibne Sarwar from BAF Shaheen Collegewon the top prize. The second-best wentto ‘Pokedox: The Ultimate Advanced AI Assistant’ by S.M. Saifan Shafee from Brojomohun School in Barisal while ‘Climacore’, by RayeenAr Raad from St. Joseph Higher Secondary School secured 3rd place. Out of total 70 projects showcased in the final round, 15 were recognised as the best.
Winners of the top three science projects received Laptop from bKash and quiz winners received tabletsfrom Bigganchinta and special prizes from bKash. Winners also received books, trophies, medals, and certificates at the closing ceremony. The award ceremony was graced by Brother Leo James Pereira, Principal of St. Joseph Higher Secondary School; Abdul Quayum, Editor of Bigganchinta;Prof. Dr. Md. Ashraful Hoque, Vice-Chancellor of Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology; Dr. Arshad Momen, Professor of Physical Sciences at Independent University Bangladesh; Humayun Kabir, EVP and Head of Regulatory and Corporate Affairs at bKash and Sayma Ahsan, Vice-President of Regulatory and Corporate Affairs of bKash.
In the quiz competition, Iram Mahmud Ruhan, a seventh grader from Atomic Energy Research Establishment School and College, emerged as the top performer in the lower secondary category.Md Fahim Faisal from Rangpur Zilla School took first place in the secondary category, while Tanvir Hossain of Champion Academy, Dhaka, secured first positionin the special quiz segment. A total of 30 students, 15 from each of the lower secondary and secondary levels, were recognised in the quiz competition, alongside 14 participants in the special quiz category which was open for all.
Earlier in the day, the festival was inaugurated withfloating balloon in the sky and hoisting flagceremony withthe announcement by robot ‘Nao’. Following the inauguration, top young innovators from across the country showcased a variety of innovative projects, including ‘Aquaponics’, ‘Smart Home and Life Security’, ‘Bengali Interactive AI Model’, ‘Smart Blind Stick’, ‘Smart Bridge’, and ‘Turning Wasted Oil into Biodiesel’. After several rounds of evaluation, the best projects were selected.
Like previous two festivals, the third edition of the science festival organised by bKash and Bigganchinta commenced on August 30 with the Dhaka regional round, followed by Rangpur, Rajshahi, Chattogram, Barishal, Sylhet, and Khulna. The champions from these regions advanced to the national finale in Dhaka. In addition, this year’s event featured over 400 science projects from around 370 schools across seven divisions, and around 3,500 students participated in the quiz competition. Altogether, more than 5,000 students took part inthis year’s science festival.
The grand finale featured not only the exhibition of innovative projects by young scientists and quizzes but also special events such as a Rubik’s Cube competition, Sudoku, robot shows, Q&A sessions, magic shows, and cultural performances, creating a vibrant atmosphere that celebrated science, creativity, and youthful enthusiasm.
