The 16th Chemistry Olympiad for the Cumilla region was held at Cumilla University on Saturday, October 31, with 638 students taking part, according to the organisers.

The event was arranged at the university’s open-air stage by the Chemistry Association, an organisation affiliated with the university’s Department of Chemistry. Organisers said 680 students registered from institutions across Cumilla, Brahmanbaria, Chandpur and other districts, of whom 638 participated.

Professor A K M Raihan Uddin, convener of the Olympiad, chaired the programme. Former Jahangirnagar University chemistry professor Dr Rabiul Islam attended as chief guest, while Cumilla University’s chemistry department head Professor Dr Md Shahadat Hossain was special guest. Associate Professor Dr Mohammad Atikur Rahman, member secretary of the event, conducted the proceedings.

Second-place finisher Montachhir Bhuiya described his surprise and happiness at the result. Shahadat Hossain spoke about chemistry’s relevance to everyday life, while Rabiul Islam stressed the importance of textbooks, teachers and regular study.

Atikur Rahman said the competition aimed to encourage scientific curiosity, analytical thinking and an understanding of how chemistry applies beyond textbooks.

Photo: Supplied by the correspondent; guests at the university event.