Humaira wins national title, Warda first runner-up

Humaira Tafshir Sara of London School of English has won the national title at the FameLab Academy Bangladesh 2026 Grand Finale, earning a sponsored trip to the prestigious Cheltenham Science Festival in the United Kingdom.

The British Council hosted the grand finale at its Fuller Road premises in Dhaka on Sunday, bringing together promising young science communicators from across the country.

Warda Fatima Khan of Sir John Wilson School was named first runner-up, while Md Ziaul Haque Reyan of St Joseph International School secured the second runner-up position.

FameLab Academy is an international STEM communication competition for students of Classes IX-XII. Participants are challenged to explain a complex scientific, engineering or mathematical concept within three minutes on an empty stage, using only hand-carried props. They are judged on three criteria: content, clarity and charisma.

The 2026 edition saw significant growth, with 44 candidates from 22 schools participating, compared with 31 students from 11 schools in the previous edition. Following regional rounds, 10 finalists from seven institutions advanced to the national finale.

Speaking at the event, Zunayed Ahmed, Managing Director and Head of Market at the British Council Bangladesh, said the competition focuses not only on scientific knowledge but also on the ability to communicate it effectively.

The finalists were judged by an expert panel comprising Ahsanul Azad, Head of Business Improvement at the British Council Bangladesh; Faria Marha, Research Assistant at icddr,b; and Dr Salekul Islam, Professor of Electronics and Communication Engineering at North South University.

Ahead of the finale, the 10 finalists took part in a two-day masterclass on August 26-27 led by UK science television presenter and Master Trainer Dallas Campbell, focusing on storytelling, stage presence and effective delivery.

As the national champion, Sara will receive an all-expenses-paid trip from the British Council to attend the Cheltenham Science Festival.

All 10 finalists also received gift vouchers, merchandise and digital subscriptions from the event’s brand partners, including GoZayaan, Gorur Ghash, Prothom Alo, GrabGo and Headgear.

The event concluded with a certificate presentation and networking session attended by students, parents, school principals, mentors and other guests.