British Council celebrates student excellence through national speech and science competitions

The British Council hosted the national finales of the FameLab Science Communicators Competition 2025 and the English Speech Competition, recognising exceptional student talent from national curriculum and English medium schools across Bangladesh.

The FameLab finale, held on 24 May at the BRAC University Auditorium, was organised in partnership with BRAC University. The English Speech Competition took place on 25 May at the British Council auditorium on Fuller Road, supported by BRAC Bank under BRAC's Agami Proposition.

These flagship events brought together some of the country's brightest young minds, offering a platform to showcase their science communication and public speaking skills before a panel of esteemed judges and a live audience.

Maxim Raimann, Country Exams Director of the British Council Bangladesh, said, "These competitions celebrate student excellence and empower young learners to communicate confidently and think critically. Through platforms like FameLab and the English Speech Competition, we aim to nurture the next generation of thought leaders and global citizens."

The FameLab Science Communicators Competition 2025 invited students from Grades 9 to 12 to present scientific topics in an engaging and accessible manner. Ten finalists were selected through school-level heats and regional rounds. Ahead of the national final, participants completed a two-day masterclass led by Dr Kenneth Douglas Farquhar, a UK-based science communicator, Guinness World Record holder, and expert in science storytelling. The sessions focused on helping students communicate complex scientific ideas with clarity, creativity, and confidence.

Elijah Green of Grace International School was named the national winner of the competition. Finalist schools included ABC International School, Cherry Blossoms International School and College, Daffodil International School (Uttara), Glenrich International School, Grace International School Dhaka, Kids Campus School, Paramount School and College (two teams), St Joseph International School, and Tulip International School and College.

The English Speech Competition, part of the British Council's broader IELTS banner, was open to students from Grades 9 to 12 and conducted across 33 schools in five divisions. Participants advanced through preliminary, regional, and final rounds, and were evaluated on content, delivery, and language proficiency.

Laiba Montaha from Navy Anchorage School and College won in Group A (Grade 9–10), while Aaron Nafi from Halishohor Cantonment Public School and College won in Group B (Grade 11–12).

Finalist institutions included YWCA Higher Secondary Girls School, Engineering University School and College, Udayan Uchcha Madhyamik Bidyalaya (three teams), Viqarunnisa Noon School and College, Dhaka Residential Model College, Notre Dame College, Khulna Collectorate Public School and College, Khulna Zilla School, Reverend Paul's High School, Govt Promothnath Girls' High School, Shahid Mamun Mahmud Police Lines School and College, Rajshahi Govt City College, Jalalabad Cantonment English School and College (two teams), Navy Anchorage School and College, Halishohor Cantonment Public School and College, Chattogram Collegiate School and College, St Joseph International School, and Tulip International School and College.

Both competitions are designed to strengthen youth confidence, leadership, and communication capabilities—skills essential in today's evolving educational and professional landscape.