The 5th National HSBC-Prothom Alo Bhasha Protijog (language competition) ended in the city yesterday with a vow' to protect the country from all evil and injustice in the future.

The final round of the year long festival was held with the participation of the winners of eight regional competitions.

We feel very proud of our language. We feel proud of those who laid down their lives for our language. Our proud knows no bounds when we become part of the process of upholding the dignity of bur language,” said Prof Anisuzzaman, convener of the contest, at the inaugural ceremony at Viqarunnisa Noon School and College in the city.

He also urged all to practise proper pronunciation and writingofBangla language.

Matiur Rahman, editor of the Prothom Alo, said, 'We want a beautiful and progressive Bangladesh. We must change ourselves at first to achieve this goal."

After the Principal of Viqarunnisa Noon School Rokeya Akter Begum inaugurated the final round, the participants rushed to the examination centre at the venue.

A total of 80 students were selected as winners from the participants. Apart froih fitst,1 second and third prizes in various categories, awards were also given to 17 contestants under special category.

They were given crests.

"Do not memorise any of your academic studies. But memorise poetry. Memorising poetry does not have any negative affect," said Prof Mohammad Zafar Iqbal, calling on the participants to practise writing more and more.

Abdun Nur Tusher, Munir Hasan. Sayeduzzaman Roushan, Prof Bhismadev Chowdhury, Sayed Azizul Haque, Ferdous Ara Begum and Kabita Goshwami were present at the programme conducted by Arun Basu.

Khairul Anam Shakil, Mita Haque, . Fahiin Hosaaim Chowdhury and Kalpona Anam rendered songs, while Bhashmar Bandopadhay recited poems at the closing session of the festival.