Inter-School Science Fair-2025 was organized with the aim of building a science-minded, rational, and creative generation. Under the initiative of Friends Association for Integrated Revolution (FAIR), this two-day Inter-School Science Fair-2025 was held in Kushtia. On December 17 and 18, the premises of the traditional Kolkakoli Secondary School in Kushtia turned into a vibrant gathering of students’ innovative thoughts, science-based imagination, and creative expression.

The main objectives of this Science Fair were:

• To strengthen school-based science club activities.
• To involve students in hands-on science practice.
• To create opportunities for practical learning beyond textbooks.
• To assist in developing leadership, teamwork, and logic-based thinking among students.

It is worth mentioning that Friends Association for Integrated Revolution (FAIR) has been implementing the Promoting Science Education (PSE) project in 30 secondary schools of Kushtia Sadar Upazila since 2019, with the support of the Bangladesh Freedom Foundation (BFF). Under this project, various initiatives—such as forming a Science Club, conducting regular science club activities in school, organizing Science Olympiads, quizzes, publishing wall magazines, and hosting the Inter-School Science Fair-2025—are being carried out regularly. This event stands as one of the most vital and significant components of the project.

Brief Outline of the Two-Day Program

Day 1 (17 December 2025)

• Colorful Rally
• National Flag Hoisting and Formal Inauguration
• Inaugural Session
• Science Project Exhibition
• Wall Magazine Display
• Science Olympiad and Quiz Competition
• Cultural Performance
• Blood Grouping Activities for Students

Day 2 (18 December 2025)

• Inter-School Debate Competition
• Science Project and Wall Magazine Exhibition
• Cultural Performance
• Blood Grouping Activities
• Closing and Prize Distribution Ceremony

Inter-School Science Fair-2025 was a crucial event where students got the opportunity to present their science projects, research-based ideas, and creative innovations.

Day One: Inaugural Ceremony (17 December 2025)

Initiation of the Fair through a Colorful Rally

The formal activities of the two-day Science Fair started with a colorful rally on the morning of the first day. The rally was inaugurated and led by Mr. Md. Abdul Latif Sheikh, Deputy Director, Department of Social Services, Kushtia. The rally started from Kolkakoli Secondary School and circled the main roads of Kushtia city. Students held science-based placards, banners, and various creative messages, which attracted the attention of pedestrians and increased the interest of the general public in the science fair in Bangladesh.

National Flag Hoisting and Formal Inauguration

After the performance of the national anthem, the formal inauguration of the fair was announced by the Chief Guest, Professor Dr. Md. Jahangir Alam, through the hoisting of the national flag.

Inaugural Session

As the day progressed, the inaugural ceremony began at the Kolkakoli Secondary School premises. The program was presided over by Mst. Samsunnahar, Chairman, FAIR.

Chief Guest and Special Guests: The Chief Guest present at the ceremony was:

• Professor Dr. Md. Jahangir Alam, Treasurer, Islamic University, Bangladesh.

Special Guests included:

• Mr. Md. Abdul Latif Sheikh, Deputy Director, Department of Social Services, Kushtia.
• Mr. Shamim Ahmed Khan, Upazila Secondary Education Officer, Kushtia Sadar.

Also present were Mr. Md. Jamil Rashid, former Headmaster of Harinarayanpur Multipurpose High School; Mr. Nurul Amin, former Senior Teacher; and Headmasters, science teachers, students, and parents of various schools.

Welcome and Greeting Speeches

At the beginning of the ceremony, the welcome speech was delivered by the Director of FAIR, Dewan Akhtaruzzaman. He said: “FAIR believes that if science education can be made enjoyable and practical, students from remote areas can also move forward in innovative thinking. This science fair in school is creating that opportunity for the students.”

Greeting speeches were then provided by Mr. Md. Salauddin Khan, Convener of Inter-School Science Fair-2025 and Headmaster of Dinmoni Secondary School, and Mst. Laila Yasmin, Acting Headmaster of Kolkakoli Secondary School. Laila Yasmin stated that through this fair, students are learning the practical application of science rather than just theory.

Speech of the Chief Guest

Chief Guest Professor Dr. Md. Jahangir Alam emphasized the quality of science education and teaching. He said, “Teachers play the most important role in improving the quality of education. If the foundation is strong at the primary and secondary levels, students can reach the university level with high skills.” He also praised initiatives like the Science Club as timely and commendable.

Speeches of District and Upazila Level Guests

Mr. Abu Tayeb Md. Yunus, District Education Officer, Kushtia, stated that students becoming science-minded through this science fair bangladesh will bring positive results for the country. Shamim Ahmed Khan added that our students have the capability; they just need the right direction and opportunity.

Day Two: Debate Competition (18 December 2025)

The second day of the Inter-School Science Fair-2025 was dedicated to an Inter-School Debate Competition to develop intellectual practice and logical analysis. FAIR dedicated this day to the debate to form a science-minded and rational generation.

Presidency and Guests: The debate was held under the presidency of Kazi Rafiqur Rahman, President of the PSE Project Management Committee. The Chief Guest was Professor Abdul Khalek, former Head of the Department of Zoology, Kushtia Government College. The Special Guest was Professor Lal Mohammad, Head of the Department of Physics.

Structure of the Debate Competition: A total of 8 secondary schools from Kushtia Sadar Upazila participated. The competition was conducted by experienced judges from the Kushtia Debating Society. The topics included:

• First Round: “Science and technology education is the basis of a developed Bangladesh.”
• Semifinal Round: “Artificial intelligence is a blessing or a curse for human civilization.”
• Final Round: “Co-curricular activities are essential for the merit development of students.”

Director Dewan Akhtaruzzaman noted that science club activities in Kushtia aim to help students master skills like technology and AI.

Third Part: Closing and Prize Distribution Ceremony

The final day of Inter-School Science Fair-2025 featured the highly anticipated closing and prize distribution ceremony at Kolkakoli Secondary School.

Honorable Guests: The closing ceremony was presided over by Mr. Md. Salauddin Khan. The Honorable Guests were:

• Dr. S. M. Khasruzzaman Mukul, Associate Professor, Kushtia Medical College.
• Professor Sabiha Sultana, Executive Member, FAIR.
• Shamim Ahmed Khan, Upazila Secondary Education Officer.

Chief Guest Dr. S. M. Khasruzzaman Mukul said, “The advancement of science has brought people to the peak of civilization. These little scientists will lead Kushtia tomorrow.”

Prize Distribution: After the speeches, the guests distributed prizes among the winners of the science project exhibition, wall magazine, quiz, Science Olympiad, and science fair competitions.

Sponsors and Cooperation

Various organizations played a crucial role as sponsors. A.K. Azad & Co. and M2 Solution arranged snacks and food, including Pitha and coffee, making the school-based science festival environment more lively. Agami Prokashani provided valuable books as prizes, and M2 Solution provided crests as mementos.

Conclusion

Inter-School Science Fair-2025 is not just an event; it is a milestone in popularizing science education in 30 secondary schools of Kushtia. Through this, students have had the chance to engage in practical science beyond their textbooks. The Science Club activities have become more active, and the leadership and teamwork skills of the students have significantly increased. The organizers expressed firm optimism that such continuous initiatives will help create future scientists and researchers.