Science Festival Sparks Shine at Saint Joseph: Young Innovators Impress with AI and Ingenuity
The national round of the Science Festival was held on October 31 at the auditorium of Saint Joseph Higher Secondary School, Dhaka, where winners from regional competitions across divisions and districts showcased their innovative projects. Over 70 schools participated in the grand finale, which also featured science quizzes, Rubik’s cube challenges, Sudoku contests, and an entertaining robot show hosted by Saimum Mousumi Brishti.
Throughout the daylong celebration, young scientists enjoyed performances by The Rockstar Shuvo and singer Jahid Antu, magic by Rajib Basak, and an exciting stage appearance by film star Safa Kabir. In the afternoon, winners joyfully took home laptops, tablets, and science boxes as prizes.
Project Exhibition Winners
In the national round, Arib Bin Faruk and Saim Ibn Sarwar, both tenth graders from BAF Shaheen College, won first place for their outstanding project. S.M. Saifan Shafi from Brojomohon School, Barishal, secured second place, while Raiyan A.R. Raad, a tenth grader from Saint Joseph Higher Secondary School, placed third.
Barishal’s S.M. Saifan Shafi captivated the audience with his AI chatbot, while three students from Khulna Navy Anchorage School and College impressed with an AI-based traffic system offering futuristic solutions.
In total, 31 students were awarded for 15 innovative projects. Other notable winners included Siddhartha Pramanik, Samit Washi, and Nabil Hasan from Natore Government Boys’ High School; S.M. Aliul Hossain Ishan and Tahmid Hasan from Jashore Education Board Government Model School and College; Md. Abrar Jawad Adil and Ranak Anjum Sajid from Adamjee Cantonment Public School; Nusrat Jahan, Jubayra Zebin, and Labiba Lamisha from Ankur Society Girls’ High School, Chattogram; and many more from Dhaka, Rangpur, and Khulna.
Quiz, Sudoku, and Rubik’s Cube Champions
A total of 30 winners were announced in the quiz competitions—15 from the junior and 15 from the secondary categories. In addition, 14 students were recognized in the special quiz, while three winners each were selected for Sudoku and Rubik’s Cube.
In the secondary quiz, Md. Fahim Faisal from Rangpur Zilla School won first place, followed by Rajorshi Das Gupta from Chattogram Collegiate School and Md. Rifat Samay from Rajshahi Education Board Government Model School and College. In the junior category, Iram Mahmud Ruhan from Atomic Energy Research Establishment School and College, Savar, took first place, with Tamhid Ul Islam from Nachole Upazila School in second, and Dilshan Hossain from Barishal Zilla School in third.
In the special quiz, Tanvir Hossain from Champion Academy won first place, followed by Ahmed Mustakim Khan from Civil Aviation School and College and Mouni Zaman Rukan from Barishal Government Model School and College.
Prizes and Guests
The top three project groups received laptops sponsored by bKash, while the quiz champions in both categories received special prizes from bKash and tablets sponsored by BigganChinta. Additional rewards included books, science boxes, certificates, medals, and trophies.
The award ceremony was graced by Professor Md. Ashraful Haque, Vice-Chancellor of Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology; Professor Sugata Ahmed of the University of Dhaka; and Dr. Tanzina Hossain, a physician and writer. Special guests included Soumitra Chakraborty, coach of the Bangladesh Biology Olympiad team, and lyricist Kabir Bakul.
The event celebrated youthful curiosity and scientific creativity, offering a glimpse into the bright future of Bangladesh’s next generation of innovators.
