Science Festival Starts with Saluting Robot 'Wali'

After the national anthem and flag-hoisting ceremony, the Dhaka phase of the Science Festival was officially inaugurated by the robot “Wali.” On August 30, Saturday, the small stage at Mirpur Cantonment Public School and College field in the capital witnessed the presence of Wali, a robot built by the young Bangladeshi team “Atlas.” Following the flag salute, Wali formally announced the inauguration.

The opening ceremony featured a colorful spectacle, including a balloon release, which marked the beginning of project exhibitions and quiz competitions for students from grades six to ten. A total of 120 schools from Dhaka sent their young science enthusiasts to participate.

The inauguration was attended by Professor Mohammad Kaykobad of BRAC University; Lieutenant Colonel Farzana Shakil, Principal of Mirpur Cantonment Public School and College; Major General (Retd.) Sheikh Md. Monirul Islam, Chief External and Corporate Affairs Officer of bKash; Professor Arshad Momen of the Department of Theoretical Physics at Independent University; Abdul Kaiyum, Editor of Bijnan Chinta; writer Anisul Hoque, Associate Editor of Prothom Alo and Editor of Kishor Alo; cartoonist Ahsan Habib, Editor of the satirical magazine Unmad; former national cricketer Habibul Bashar; and several others.

According to the organizers, in the regional festival, the top 10 participants from each category of the quiz competition and the 10 best project teams will be awarded and later advance to the national phase. Winners at the regional stage will receive certificates, medals, books, science kits, and other attractive prizes. At the national level, winners will be awarded laptops, tablets, and many more prizes. The festival will also feature science magic shows, robot demonstrations, Q&A sessions, and a variety of exciting events.