12th DEH Inter-University Student Conference begins with academic competitions
12th DEH Inter-University Student Conference begins with academic competitions
The 12th DEH Inter-University Student Conference and Cultural Competition 2026 began on 13 August, bringing together students, academics, researchers and cultural enthusiasts from universities across Bangladesh.
The event was inaugurated by University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) Vice Chancellor Professor Shamsad Mortuza as chief guest. Professor Kaiser Hamidul Haq, Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities at ULAB, and Professor Arifa Ghani Rahman, Head of the Department of English and Humanities (DEH) at ULAB, also addressed the opening session.
The first day featured the Academic Presentation Competition and the Extempore Speech Competition.
Students from 27 public and private universities participated in the academic presentations, presenting their research, ideas and critical perspectives.
The presentations were adjudicated by Professor Bokhtiar Ahmed, Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at Independent University, Bangladesh, and researcher, writer and translator Tina Nandi.
Meanwhile, 27 students from 14 universities competed in the Extempore Speech Competition, demonstrating their ability to think critically and articulate ideas spontaneously.
The competition was judged by Dr Mahruba Mowtushi, Associate Professor at the Department of English and Humanities, BRAC University, and Shehreen Ataur Khan, Associate Professor at the Department of English, Jagannath University.
The opening day highlighted the conference’s focus on intellectual exchange, creativity, communication and healthy inter-university competition. Organisers said the participation of students from across the country contributed to the vibrant atmosphere of the event.
The conference will continue on its second day with Cultural, Cosplay and Art Competitions, followed by the announcement of winners and an Award Ceremony, according to the organisers.
The organisers expressed gratitude to the participating universities, students, judges, faculty members, guests and volunteers for their contributions to the opening day.
