Junior Science Olympiad held at Birol

BIROL, DINAJPUR, Aug 22: A total of 629 students from 25 schools took part in the 12th Bangladesh Junior Science Olympiad-2026 at the Birol Government Pilot Model High School in Birol Upazila of the district on Saturday.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Rezaul Islam inaugurated the day-long event, organised by the Society for the Popularization of Science, Bangladesh (SPSB) and Bangladesh Freedom Foundation (BFF), with local coordination by Birol Science Academy.

Of the 886 students who registered online, 629 participated in the Olympiad. They included 131 primary-level students, 346 at the junior level and 152 at the secondary level.

The programme began at 9:30 am with the hoisting of the national flag and the playing of the national anthem.

The UNO encouraged students to focus on practical science rather than rote learning, saying the participation demonstrated that talented students can be found in remote areas. 

“We need to move forward in practical science practice rather than rote learning,” he said. “You are the future scientists of Smart Bangladesh.”

Bidhan Dutta, a lecturer at Boardhat College in Birol and a writer, managed and directed the event. He said the programme aimed to help students explore science without fear and encourage their curiosity and creativity.

The Olympiad featured a general science quiz, science-based project demonstrations and a question-and-answer session. Winners in different categories received prizes and certificates.

Among those attending were Dr Md Showaibur Rahman, an adviser to Birol Science Academy; Upazila Secondary Education Officer Md Arif Iqbal; and academy officials Syed Md Muntasir, Md Shamimur Rahman and Abdur Razzak. Guests also visited a book sale and exhibition centre during the event.