North South University’s (NSU) Department of English and Modern Languages (DEML) organized Bakeman’s 4th International Language League, the largest language Olympiad in Bangladesh, with the final round on October 9 and the prize-giving ceremony on October 10, 2026, held at the university, a press release said.
The Language League season 4 aimed to promote language learning, communication skills, and appreciation for Bangladesh’s linguistic diversity by bringing together students from different educational levels and regions of the country. Going beyond Bangla and English, the competition also celebrated French, German, and Chinese, encouraging participants to explore languages and cultures beyond their own.
The competition was divided into seven segments, with events tailored to participants’ age and educational level. Younger participants in classes 1 to 6 competed in Spelling Bee and Handwriting, while junior and secondary students 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 conducted at 560 institutions across various districts and divisions. More than 100,000 students participated in the competition, with thousands advancing through the divisional rounds held in all eight divisions (Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, Sylhet, Rajshahi, Barisal, Rangpur, and Mymensingh) and regional selection rounds held in four districts (Jashore, Narail, Bogura, Panchagarh) before progressing to the final stage. The competition also saw enthusiastic participation from students of North South University itself, reflecting the university community’s strong engagement with language learning and linguistic excellence. Adding a special touch to the event, several NSU faculty members also encouraged their children to participate, making the Language League a celebration that brought together students, educators, and families through a shared love of languages.
The successful execution of Bakeman’s 4th International Language League was made possible through the generous support of educational institutions across the country, which hosted the divisional selection rounds and provided essential facilities for the competition. The Department of English and Modern Languages, North South University, extends its sincere gratitude to Hajee Muhammad Delwar Hossain School and College, Boda, Panchagarh; University of Global Village, Barisal; Jahanara Israil School and College, Barisal; Rangpur Zilla School, Rangpur; Port City International University, Chittagong; Badshah Faisal Islami Institute Eidgah, Jashore; Lions School and College, Khulna; Vidyamoyee Government Girls’ High School, Mymensingh; Narail Town Government Primary School, Narail; R.T.M. Al-Kabir Technical University, Sylhet; BIAM Laboratory School & College, Bogura; Pundra University of Science & Technology, Bogura; Aslam Khan School and College, Cumilla; and Rajshahi College, Rajshahi; Rajshahi University, Rajshahi for serving as venues for the selection rounds. Their cooperation, together with the immense contributions of teachers and staff members who supported coordination and facilitated the smooth conduct of the competition, played an instrumental role in making this nationwide initiative a success.
The finalists gathered at North South University on October 9 for the anticipated final round. After competing against more than 100,000 students nationwide through a rigorous and highly competitive selection process, only 5,000 participants qualified for the final stage, marking a significant achievement in their journey. Following the intense final examination, 261 outstanding participants were named winners across different age groups and language-based segments. The celebration culminated in a grand prize-giving ceremony on October 10, where the winners were honoured for their exceptional achievements, dedication, and linguistic excellence.
The Prize Giving Ceremony was graced by the presence of Chief Guest Bobby Hajjaj, MP and Hon’ble State Minister, Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, alongside Guest of Honour, Li Shaopeng, Cultural Counsellor, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Bangladesh; Benajir Ahmed, Founder Life Member and former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of North South University; Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of NSU; Professor Nasar U. Ahmed, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of NSU; Ma Xiaoyan, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at NSU; Dr. Nazia Manzoor, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of English and Modern Languages, NSU; and Md. Shafiqul Islam Tushar, Executive Director of Akij Bakers Limited, the title sponsor of the event. The distinguished guests presented medals and certificates to the winners across different age groups and language-based segments, recognising their dedication, talent, and outstanding achievements. Their presence added prestige to the occasion, making the ceremony a memorable celebration of linguistic excellence and the spirit of learning.
Demonstrating true nationwide participation, the event brought together top-performing schools, colleges, and universities from across Bangladesh, where champions, 1st runners-up, and 2nd runners-up were honored with Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals, certificates, and special gift hampers from Akij Bakers Limited.
One of the guardians shared their experience, “Language League is very inspiring for the kids, and we guardians are also impressed by this large-scale event.” Another guardian remarked, “I got to know about this event from Language League’s Facebook page, and overall I really liked the arrangement of the event and the vibrant campus. I’ll bring my son again next time an event like this is arranged”.
Students shared their enthusiasm: “ Language League was an incredible experience that allowed me to challenge myself and learn something new. I am looking forward to participating in the next Language League event”. Another student shared, “I really enjoyed participating in the Language League. It was fun, exciting, and a great opportunity to learn new things”.
Teachers and campus ambassadors from educational institutions across the country played a vital role in the success of Bakeman’s 4th International Language League by reaching out to students, encouraging their participation, and raising awareness about the competition. In recognition of their outstanding dedication and contributions, the best-performing teachers and campus ambassadors were awarded crests by the Chief Guest during the prize-giving ceremony, honouring their efforts in promoting language learning and encouraging student engagement nationwide.
Chief guest Bobby Hajjaj, State Minister of Primary and Mass Education and MP for Dhaka-13, praised the scale and significance of the Language League, saying, “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.”
