NSU DEML hosts 4th International Language League

The Department of English and Modern Languages (DEML) at North South University (NSU) organised “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.

The event 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.

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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, and Panchagarh) before progressing to the final stage. The competition also saw enthusiastic participation from students of NSU.

After competing against more than 100,000 students nationwide, 5,000 participants qualified for the final stage. Following the final examination, 261 outstanding participants were named winners across different age groups and language-based segments.

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The prize giving ceremony was graced by the presence of chief guest Bobby Hajjaj, MP, and State Minister, Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, 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 NSU; Prof. Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of NSU; Prof. 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.

Demonstrating true nationwide participation, the event brought together top-performing schools, colleges, and universities from across Bangladesh, where champions, first runners-up, and second runners-up were honoured 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.”

“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,” said one of the participants.

Teachers and campus ambassadors from educational institutions across the country played a vital role in the success of the event. The best-performing teachers and campus ambassadors were awarded crests by the chief guest during the prize-giving ceremony.

Bobby Hajjaj 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.”

Dr Nazia Manzoor praised the enthusiasm of the participants and the dedication of everyone involved in organising the event, saying, “The enthusiasm and participation of the students in the Language League are truly commendable. The dedication and hard work of everyone involved in making this event successful are equally important. Our sole motivation for bringing this Olympiad to students year after year is to remind them that language is our primary means of expression, and these Olympiads celebrate the joy of using it.”

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Prof. Abdul Hannan Chowdhury said, “Without your participation, this competition would not have been possible. We are always delighted to welcome students from across the country to our vibrant campus, where we aspire to shape not only graduates but also good human beings who can contribute to the nation and beyond.”

Md Shafiqul Islam Tushar expressed his pride in supporting the Language League, saying, “We are proud to be associated with an initiative like the Language League. It is a meaningful and important platform for students and language enthusiasts, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their linguistic skills and creativity.”