The British Council hosts the grand finale of FameLab Academy Bangladesh 2026

The British Council successfully hosted the grand finale of FameLab Academy Bangladesh 2026 on September 6 at its Fuller Road premises in Dhaka, celebrating the nation's next generation of science communicators.

In the final round, Humaira Tafshir Sara from the London School of English emerged as the national champion. Warda Fatima Khan from Sir John Wilson School secured the position of first runner-up, while Md Ziaul Haque Reyan from St Joseph International School was named second runner-up.

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FameLab Academy is a STEM communication competition for high school students (Classes IX–XII). The competition challenges students to explain a complex scientific, engineering, or mathematical concept in just three minutes. Crucially, participants must deliver their talks on an empty stage using only hand-carried props – with no PowerPoint slides, digital aids, or notes – and are judged on the core criteria of content, clarity, and charisma.

This year's competition witnessed remarkable growth across Bangladesh. While last year’s edition saw 31 participants from 11 schools, the 2026 campaign engaged 44 candidates across 22 schools, with 39 students competing live during the regional rounds to earn one of the ten coveted finalist spots on the grand finale stage. The 10 finalists represented seven leading institutions: Sir John Wilson School, London School of English, Kids Campus School, Paramount School and College, Maple Leaf International School Dhaka, Grace International School, and St Joseph International School.

Addressing the audience, Zunayed Ahmed, managing director and head of market at the British Council Bangladesh, highlighted the essence of the competition:

"FameLab is not really testing how much our finalists know. It is testing whether they can make the rest of us care about what they know. Knowing something and being able to explain it are two different skills. Two-thirds of today's marks go to how well a finalist is understood, not just how much they understand."

The performances were evaluated by an expert panel of judges comprising Ahsanul Azad, head of business improvement, British Council Bangladesh; Faria Marha, research assistant at icddr,b; and Dr Salekul Islam, professor, Electronics and Communication Engineering Department, North South University.

Ahead of the finale, the 10 national finalists completed an intensive two-day masterclass on August 26-27 led by UK science television presenter and master trainer Dallas Campbell, sharpening their stage presence, storytelling, and delivery skills.

As the grand prize winner, Humaira Tafshir Sara will receive an all-expenses-paid trip from the British Council to attend the prestigious Cheltenham Science Festival in the United Kingdom.