National language fest brings culture, creativity to BAU campus

Language is more than a means of communication; it carries culture, identity and intellectual depth, extending far beyond grammar rules, exam papers and classroom lessons.

With this philosophy at its core, the Bangladesh Agricultural University Language Club (BAULC) hosted the third National Language Fest at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), allowing language to step out of textbooks and into lived experience. Over two days, the festival transformed the campus into a bustling space where words were spoken, sung, performed and felt. Here, language emerged as a living force, moulded by stories, emotions and expressions.

The event brought together more than 350 students from 25 universities across the country, making it one of the largest language-based student initiatives ever held on a public university campus. From cutthroat competitions and skill-oriented discussions to creative stalls and cultural performances, the BAU campus became a dynamic confluence of diverse voices and cultures.

The first day opened with a series of competitions that immediately set the tone of the festival. Ten segments, conducted in six languages, invited students to explore language through both traditional and contemporary lenses. Events such as Sahitto Utshab, Fiction Fusion and Connecting the Dots quickly became people's favourites. These segments attracted participants immersed in Bengali literature as well as those influenced by global popular culture, including films, television series such as Game of Thrones, the DC and Marvel universes, Japanese anime and puzzle-based storytelling.

What set these segments apart was the ideology behind them. Many students grow up hearing that reading storybooks, watching films or following animated series are distractions rather than meaningful pursuits. The National Language Fest challenged that notion. Hobbies often dismissed at home were transformed into platforms of intellectual engagement, where curiosity, imagination and cultural awareness were acknowledged, celebrated and even rewarded. In a symbolic sense, passions once criticised gained the power to earn medals and applause.

One of the most talked-about additions this year was Anime Tales, introduced for the first time. With anime gaining immense popularity among young people in Bangladesh, the segment struck an immediate chord. The enthusiastic response reflected how global storytelling forms are shaping the language, creativity and cultural imagination of today's youth.

Alongside Bangla and English, the festival featured foreign languages including Arabic, Japanese, German and Spanish, allowing students to showcase their multilingual abilities while encouraging cross-cultural curiosity. For those drawn to visual storytelling, the Wall Magazine segment offered a different canvas, where words met illustrations and emotions took shape through art.

As the competitive segments concluded, the energy of the festival shifted towards creativity and community. In the afternoon, an art, literature and culture fair titled Bornokunjo was inaugurated by renowned writer Sadat Hossain. The name symbolised a harmonious fusion of letters, languages and emotions. A bookstall featuring his works soon became a gathering point for young readers eager to engage with literature beyond the classroom.

"I am impressed by two things – the natural beauty of Bangladesh Agricultural University and the strong interest of the younger generation in literature," Sadat Hossain said, capturing the spirit of the moment. His presence added depth to the fair, bridging generations of writers and readers.

The fair quickly came alive with food stalls, jewellery displays and creative outlets run by young entrepreneurs. International students from Malaysia added a global touch with their own stalls, enriching the festival's diversity. Conversations flowed effortlessly across languages and cultures, turning Bornokunjo into more than a fair – it became a shared space of cultural exchange and connection.

As evening descended, the fair blossomed into a cultural night filled with music, dance and expressive performances. The stage hosted a mix of Bengali modern and folk songs, Hindi songs, classical dance and contemporary acts. Nepali students of BAU mesmerised the audience with soulful singing, while mime artists told stories without uttering a single word, proving that expression often needs no voice. Soft lights glowed on creative props, the open sky stretched above and the mild December breeze drifted through the stalls, turning the fair into a magical universe. Notably, this was the first time BAULC organised such a large-scale cultural fair.

The second day took a more reflective turn, focusing on personal growth and communication skills. Writer Sadat Hossain returned to speak on Bangla literature and creative expression. Television host, actress and mime artist Moushumi Mou discussed self-presentation, confidence and the silent language of body movement. Public speaking coach and educational consultant Shahnawaz Hossain Joy highlighted the importance of effective English communication in academic and professional life, while Hasibur Rahman, Regional Leaf Growing Manager of British American Tobacco, shared insights into corporate careers, leadership and workplace ethics.

Between these sessions, the competitive spirit returned through buzzer rounds of Sahitto Utshab, Fiction Fusion and Anime Tales. The top two finalists from each segment competed for championship titles, delivering intense performances that kept the audience fully engaged.

The festival concluded with a prize-giving ceremony, where 25 winners received awards from a total prize pool of Tk40,000, along with gifts. Yet beyond prizes, the true reward lay in participation and shared experience.

Since its inception, BAULC has worked to strengthen communicative competence and linguistic awareness among students through year-round initiatives, with the National Language Fest standing as one of its signature events. Reflecting on the programme, Professor Dr Kazi Kamrul Islam, president of BAULC, said the festival was designed to spread creativity and deepen appreciation for language and literature across Bangladesh. The enthusiastic response, he added, reaffirmed the need for spaces where young people can speak, create and connect freely.

For two days at Bangladesh Agricultural University, language leapt out of textbooks and into life, showing that words, when shared and celebrated, can forge bridges far beyond the page.