NSU language league reaches 100,000 students nationwide
North South University’s (NSU) Department of English and Modern Languages (DEML) has reached more than 100,000 students across 560 educational institutions through the fourth edition of Bakeman’s International Language League, one of Bangladesh’s largest language Olympiads.
The final round of the competition was held on October 9, followed by a prize-giving ceremony on October 10 at the university.
The initiative aimed to promote language learning, communication skills and appreciation of Bangladesh’s linguistic diversity. Alongside Bangla and English, the competition featured French, German and Chinese to encourage students to explore different languages and cultures.
The competition comprised seven segments tailored to participants’ ages and educational levels. Students in classes one to six competed in spelling bee and handwriting, while junior and secondary-level participants took part in grammar, wall magazine and debate. Higher secondary and university students competed in impromptu speech, short story writing and debate.
The fourth edition reached students across the country through campaigns and workshops at 560 institutions in different districts and divisions. Participants advanced through divisional rounds in all eight divisions and regional selection rounds in Jashore, Narail, Bogura and Panchagarh.
Of the more than 100,000 students who participated nationwide, 5,000 qualified for the final round. Following the final examination, 261 participants were named winners across different age groups and language-based categories.
Educational institutions across the country supported the initiative by hosting selection rounds and providing facilities. Teachers and staff members also contributed to coordinating the competition and facilitating its smooth operation.
The prize-giving ceremony was attended by Chief Guest Bobby Hajjaj, MP and State Minister for Primary and Mass Education; Guest of Honour Li Shaopeng, Cultural Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh; Benajir Ahmed, founder life member and former chairman of NSU’s Board of Trustees; NSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury; Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Nasar U. Ahmed; Ma Xiaoyan, Chinese director of the NSU Confucius Institute; Dr Nazia Manzoor, associate professor and chair of DEML; and Md Shafiqul Islam Tushar, executive director of Akij Bakers Limited, the event’s title sponsor.
The guests presented medals and certificates to winners across the different categories. Champions, first runners-up and second runners-up received gold, silver and bronze medals, respectively, along with certificates and special gift hampers from Akij Bakers Limited.
Praising the initiative, Bobby Hajjaj said, “The Language League is a remarkable initiative taken by the Department of English and Modern Languages (DEML) of North South University that brings students together through language while providing young people with a valuable platform to develop and demonstrate their linguistic skills.”
Dr Nazia Manzoor praised the enthusiasm of participants and the efforts of those involved in organising the event.
“The enthusiasm and participation of the students in the Language League are truly commendable. The dedication and hard work of everyone involved in making this event successful are equally important.
Our sole motivation for bringing this Olympiad to students year after year is to remind them that language is our primary means of expression, and these Olympiads celebrate the joy of using it,” she said.
Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, vice-chancellor of NSU and session chair of the event, thanked the participants for making the competition possible, saying the university welcomed students from across the country and aimed to develop graduates who could contribute to the nation and beyond.
Md Shafiqul Islam Tushar said Akij Bakers Limited was proud to support the initiative, describing it as a platform for students and language enthusiasts to demonstrate their linguistic skills and creativity.
Teachers and campus ambassadors from educational institutions nationwide also played a key role in encouraging participation and raising awareness. The best-performing teachers and campus ambassadors received crests from the chief guest in recognition of their contributions.
Guardians and students praised the event for its organisation and learning opportunities, with participants expressing interest in returning for future editions.
The fourth edition brought together students from kindergarten to tertiary levels, turning the NSU campus into a lively gathering centred on language, communication and cultural understanding.
