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Saluting tomorrow’s leaders
STAFF CORRESPONDENT
Loud cheers and an air of euphoria filled the Shaheed Suhrawardy National Indoor Stadium yesterday as The Daily Star celebrated the nation builders of tomorrow by honouring 2,617 O- and A-level students for their outstanding achievements.
Speakers at the event urged the bright students to work hard to make Bangladesh a better place for all.
The high-achieving students’ sparkling eyes spoke of their dream of conquering the world as they accepted the honour in the presence of their teachers and families, who worked behind the scenes to make the moment possible.
Students expressed their happiness while renewing their vow to do more as the nation builders of tomorrow.
Awardees from 109 English medium schools of academic sessions October/November 2021, January 2022, May/June 2022 and October/November 2022 gathered at the venue.
This year, 69 students who achieved the country’s highest marks and 19 who top-scored in the world in O-levels, and 36 who achieved the country’s highest marks and three who top-scored in the world in A-levels were honoured. Apart from them, 1,843 O-level students and 647 A-level students received awards.
Eminent poet and Bangla Academy’s Director General Mohammad Nurul Huda graced the stage as the chief guest.
Mahfuz Anam, editor and publisher of The Daily Star, and Robert Chatterton Dickson, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, also spoke at the programme.
It was also addressed by Manas Singh, the chief executive officer of STS Capital Ltd; AKM Golam Kibria, chairperson of AHZ Associates; Abdullah Al Mamun Liton, regional development manager for Pearson Edexcel Bangladesh and Nepal; and Shahin Reza, country manager, Bangladesh Cambridge Assessment International Education.
Priyonti Tabassum Haque, of SFX Greenherald International school, spoke on behalf of the students.
Zunaed Rabbani moderated the event.
The audience burst into applause as each student’s name was announced. Students were awarded with crests or certificates of excellence.
Yesterday’s programme started with the singing of the national anthem and a video presentation on Language Movement and other struggles surrounding the emergence of Bangladesh.
To celebrate the multiplicity of religions in the country, the programme began with recitations from the Holy Quran, Bible, Geeta and Tripitak, delivered by Fuad Bin Sharif Toaha of Islamic International School and College, Juliet Yeasa Gomes of Cardiff International School, Arundhuti Bhattacharjee of Bangladesh International Tutorial, and Tathoi Barua from AG Church School respectively.
A cultural programme, comprising dances performed by groups of students presented during intervals, lent further festivity to the auspicious occasion.
Students of Mastermind English Medium School, DPS STS School, BAF Shaheen English Medium School, Scholastica, Mirpur, Oxford International School and Bangladesh International Tutorial Limited performed the dances.
The students portrayed traditions of the country, the Language Movement, Liberation War and waved flags during the cultural performance.
Parents and students were seen taking pictures inside and outside the auditorium to preserve the cherished memories.
The five-hour event at the indoor stadium in Mirpur was sponsored by Universal College Bangladesh, AHZ Associates, Pearson – Edexcel, and Cambridge Assessment International Education.
Channel I was the broadcasting partner.
Since 1999, The Daily Star has been awarding students who secure at least six A grades in two consecutive sittings in O-level, and three A grades in the A-level.
This year’s was the 22nd edition of awarding future leaders of the nation. Over the years, a one-of-a-kind programme has become a source of inspiration for many.
The newspaper could not host the event in 2021 and 2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In 2020, A total of 1,504 O-level and 484 A-level achievers were hailed for their hard work and dedication.