Pabna, Feb 1 (V7N) — The regional round of the 15th Bangladesh Chemistry Olympiad was held at Pabna University of Science and Technology (PUST) on Saturday, marking a major academic event for science students in the Rajshahi division.

The program began at 9:00 am with the hoisting of the national flag and the university flag, followed by the national anthem. The event was formally inaugurated by PUST Treasurer Professor Dr. Md. Shamim Ahsan at the initiative of the Department of Chemistry.

The prize-giving ceremony, held at the university convention hall, was attended by Vice-Chancellor-in-Charge Professor Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam. The resource person for the event was Professor Dr. Md. Ahsan Habib from the Department of Chemistry at the University of Dhaka.

Among the guests present at the inauguration were Dean of the Faculty of Science Professor Dr. Md. Fazlul Haque, Proctor Professor Dr. Kamruzzaman Khan, Chairman of the Department of Chemistry and PUST Centre Convener Ratan Kumar Pal, Co-Convener Dr. Shakila Sultana Khan, and Secretary Md. Faruk Ahmed. Teachers and students from various departments of the university were also in attendance. Following the opening ceremony, a rally was organized with the participation of teachers and students.

A total of around 420 higher secondary-level students from 25 colleges across the Rajshahi region took part in the competition. Organized by the Bangladesh Chemical Society, the Olympiad was held simultaneously at 14 venues across the country. The final round of the competition is scheduled to take place on April 4 at the University of Dhaka.

Addressing the students at the prize distribution ceremony, Vice-Chancellor-in-Charge Professor Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam praised their courage and enthusiasm, saying that scientific learning encourages logical thinking and prepares students to become future scientists and national leaders.

Treasurer Professor Dr. Md. Shamim Ahsan emphasized the importance of developing a scientific mindset, noting that students’ growing interest in science and chemistry opens new doors for research and innovation. He expressed optimism that future scientific achievements, including international recognition, would come from the younger generation.

Resource person Professor Dr. Md. Ahsan Habib advised students to dedicate themselves to hard work and perseverance in their studies, stressing that excellence in any field of learning can lead to meaningful contributions to society.

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