An ode to the glorious history of Bangladesh

Muktijuddho Olympiad, an online competition based on the Liberation War, concluded yesterday, after the winners were handed prizes. 

The event was organised by The Daily Star in partnership with food-tech company Efood to commemorate 50 years of independence and birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Moderated and hosted by quizmaster Ashraful Haque Emu, the event aimed at testing contestants' knowledge on a wide range of topics, including films, books, personalities, and locations related to the history of Bangladesh.

Along with crests and certificates, each of the champions, first runners-up and second runners-up received Tk 20,000, 15,000, and 10,000, respectively.

A small prize-giving ceremony with the champions only was held at The Daily Star Centre on March 24, 2021.

Md Tajdin Hassan, chief strategy and digital transformation officer of The Daily Star, hosted the ceremony. Elita Karim, editor of The Daily Star's Arts & Entertainment and Star Youth, handed over crests to the champions.

The first online round of the quiz had welcomed around 4,800 participants from across the country. The selected participants were sorted into four categories: School Category A (grade 4-6), School Category B (grade 7-10), College Category, and University Category.

Saraf Wamia Hassan from Manarat Dhaka International School and College and Afiya Farzana Diya from Govt Laboratory High School, Mymensingh emerged as champions in School A and School B categories, respectively.

"The more we learn, the more we benefit, and this competition has been an amazing learning experience indeed," shares champion Saraf.

"I am overwhelmed with this opportunity, not just with my achievement, but also for being able to learn so much and in such a fun environment," Afiya says.

Ayan Chakraborty from Amrita Lal Dey College, Barishal, and Mahabun Arefin Mehrab Opee from Dhaka University, became champions in College and University categories, respectively.

"I've earned this title by exploring knowledge about my own history and existence, and this experience has left me content," shares Ayan.

The online rounds, promoted by notable influencer Munzereen Shahid, kicked off on February 21. The quarter-finals took place on March 15 and 16, and after that, five contestants from each of the four categories were selected for the finales, based on their performances in the semi-finals.

Popular food vlogger Iftekhar Rafsan, better known as "Rafsan the ChotoBhai"; Md Sohan Haidear, founder and CEO of Smartifier Academy; Ayman Sadiq, founder of Robi 10 Minute School; and Elita Karim were individually present at finales of each category.

In School Category A, Mahbobe Sobhani and Md Musavver Moula secured second and third positions, respectively.

In School Category B, Iftakhar Islam from Bangladesh International School & College and Fahad Ahmed Apon from ABC International School became first and second runners-up, respectively.

Md Rahim Uddin Raju from Janata Mahabiddaloy and Fardin Hasan from Dhaka City College secured second and third positions in the College category, respectively.

Muzahidul Islam of DU secured second position at University category, while Ridoy Majumder from Noakhali Science and Technology University came third.