Coding Champions Crowned at National High School Programming Contest 2026
The remarks were made by Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam while addressing the grand finale, closing ceremony, and award-giving event of the National High School Programming Contest 2026, held on Saturday, June 13, at the National Science and Technology Complex Auditorium in Agargaon, Dhaka.
The minister urged students to remain responsible and cautious while using the internet and social media, assuring them that the government would continue to provide all forms of support, including financial assistance, to nurture young technological talent.
Highlighting current social realities, he said, “Currently, boys are falling somewhat behind girls in education and various competitions. Our mothers are now investing much more time and effort in their children’s education and intellectual development. However, given the alarming spread of drugs in society, both parents must increase their vigilance to protect their children.”
Referring to the latest global technological transformation, the minister added, “The world has now entered a new era of ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This period has opened up enormous career opportunities for talented individuals across the globe. To remain competitive in this evolving world, we must prepare ourselves with modern technology, advanced knowledge, scientific expertise, and continuous innovation. There is no substitute for technical skills in succeeding in future global competition.”
Reaffirming the government’s strategic commitments, Fakir Mahbub Anam said that efforts are underway to create extensive employment opportunities for ICT-sector youth, enhance technical and language skills, support startups and emerging entrepreneurs through large funding initiatives, integrate local products into global e-commerce platforms, and ensure merit-based recruitment.
Delivering an inspirational message to students, he said, “Remember, every great innovation begins with a very small question. Learn to ask questions, learn to observe your surroundings, learn to experiment, and develop the courage to innovate without fearing failure.”
He expressed confidence that the young coders emerging from the competition would strengthen Bangladesh’s reputation globally through technological innovation, advanced research, and world-class software development.
The closing and award ceremony was chaired by Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) Executive Director ATM Ziaul Islam. Special guests included Acting Secretary of the ICT Division Md. Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan, National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) Director General Dr. Md. Tayebur Rahman, Additional Director Md. Anwar Uddin, and Bangladesh Computer Council Director Md. Zafurul Alam Khan.
Distinguished speakers and technology experts at the event emphasized that national competitions focused on programming, complex problem-solving, and innovation play a crucial role in preparing young people for the challenges of a technology-driven future. They noted that today’s generation is more technologically aware and capable than any previous generation. To harness this talent and develop a sustainable creative economy, the government has allocated BDT 500 crore under a special provision in the national budget.
The experts further observed that modern science and coding have brought countless services and opportunities within reach of ordinary people and that these young Olympiad participants would one day help elevate Bangladesh’s standing on the global stage. They also highlighted that young people are proving their potential not by wasting time on social media, but by achieving remarkable success in national and international Olympiads.
During the final segment of the event, Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam presented medals, trophies, certificates, and valuable prizes to outstanding participants from across the country who had qualified for the final round.
In this year’s competition, Raiyyan Ferdous of BAF Shaheen College, Dhaka Division, emerged as the national champion in the secondary school category, while Wali Zaman of Cardiff International School, Dhaka, secured the championship title in the higher secondary college category. National champions received state-of-the-art laptops, while runners-up were awarded branded tablets.
The ceremony also recognized winners of the Bangladesh Cyber Security Olympiad and Safer Internet Day competitions.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Cyber Security Olympiad 2026, organized by the National Cyber Security Agency with support from the ICT Division, was successfully concluded nationwide. Out of 4,911 registered participants from across the country, the top 51 students selected from regional rounds attended a four-day intensive residential mentoring bootcamp. Following the bootcamp, the national final competition was held on June 12, leading to Saturday’s closing and award-giving ceremony.
//DBTech/IH/MI/OR//
