ULAB Concludes 12th Inter-University Student Conference and Cultural Competition

The University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) has concluded its 12th Inter-University Student Conference and Cultural Competition, a two-day event organized by the Department of English and Humanities (DEH). The conference, held on August 13-14, 2026, focused on the theme "Money Talks: Consumerism and Capitalism in Literature and Language". The event brought together students from public and private universities across Bangladesh, showcasing their collective efforts. The event comprised Academic Presentations, a Cultural and Cosplay Competition, an Extempore Speech Competition, and an Art Competition.   

Professor Shamsad Mortuza, PhD, Vice Chancellor, ULAB, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his speech, Professor Mortuza commended the students for their creativity and encouraged them to refine their talents and apply them in practical, real-world contexts. He noted that creativity, when pursued with diligence, can be a pathway to success for anyone. Professor Mortuza also praised ULAB for sustaining such enriching events for 12 years, fostering creativity and cultural engagement among students. His words added prestige to the two days of academic and creative exploration. Special Guest, Dr. Azfar Hussain, ULAB’s Summer Distinguished Professor, praised ULAB’s continued efforts. He spoke about the theme and regaled the audience with a dramatic recitation of his poem, “Cash.”The VC, Special Guest, Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities, Prof. Kaiser Haq, and the Department Chair, Arifa Ghani Rahman, along with the judges, presented the awards to the competition winners. The Extempore Speeches were judged by Dr. Mahruba Mowtushi, BRAC University, and Ms. Shehreen Ataur Khan, Jagannath University. Prof. Bokhtiar Ahmed, IUB, and Ms. Tina Nandi, researcher, writer, and translator, adjudicated the Academic Presentations while Mr. Mohammad Ali Haider, Chief Executive of BotTala, and Ms. Dipty Rahman, AIUB, determined the winners of the cultural and cosplay competitions. An art competition held on the occasion was judged by artists, Mr. Wakilur Rahman and Ms. Fareha Zeba. Winners received a crest, a certificate of recognition, and prize money.

In the Academic Presentation category, Tasnim Tamanna from East West University claimed the top spot, with Raisa Anan from the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, as runner-up. Siyam Ahmed of the University of Dhaka took home the win in the Extempore Speech Competition, and Kasfiya Ahsan from United International University was the runner-up. The Cosplay Competition saw Tahsin Zaman Faiza from the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, emerge victorious, with Mahinoor Akter Maisha of Presidency University as runner-up. In the Cultural Competition, International Standard University secured first place with their play Waiting for Trial, while United International University came in as runner-up with The ROI of Death. Academics from non-participating universities ensured fairness and transparency in the adjudication process.

The annual DEH Inter-University Student Conference and Cultural Competition offers students a platform for scholarly discourse and creative expression. This year, 27 public and private universities from around the country participated in the event, with their talented, hardworking, and creative students of arts and humanities.