Students from 27 public and private universities took part in the 12th Inter-University Student Conference and Cultural Competition, organised by the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB).

The two-day event, organised by ULAB’s Department of English and Humanities on 13–14 August, focused on the theme “Money Talks: Consumerism and Capitalism in Literature and Language,” according to a press release.

The programme featured academic presentations, cultural and cosplay competitions, an extempore speech competition and an art competition.

ULAB Vice Chancellor Professor Shamsad Mortuza attended the event as chief guest, alongside invited guests.

He praised the students’ creativity and encouraged them to refine their talents for practical, real-world use.

Mortuza said creativity, when pursued diligently, could provide a pathway to success.

He also commended ULAB for sustaining the event for 12 years and giving students opportunities for creative and cultural engagement.

ULAB Summer Distinguished Professor Dr Azfar Hussain attended as a special guest, alongside other invited guests.

He discussed the event’s theme and delivered a dramatic recitation of his poem, “Cash”.

Professor Shamsad Mortuza; Dr Azfar Hussain; School of Arts and Humanities Dean Professor Kaiser Haq; Department of English and Humanities Chair Arifa Ghani Rahman; and the judges presented awards to the winners.

Dr Mahruba Mowtushi of BRAC University and Shehreen Ataur Khan of Jagannath University judged the extempore speech competition.

Independent University, Bangladesh Professor Bokhtiar Ahmed and Tina Nandi, researcher, writer, and translator, judged the academic presentations.

BotTala Chief Executive Mohammad Ali Haider and Dipty Rahman of the American International University-Bangladesh judged the cultural and cosplay competitions.

Artists Wakilur Rahman and Fareha Zeba judged the art competition.

The winners received crests, certificates of recognition, and prize money.

East West University student Tasnim Tamanna secured first place in the academic presentation category, while ULAB student Raisa Anan was runner-up.

University of Dhaka student Siyam Ahmed won the extempore speech competition, while United International University student Kasfiya Ahsan finished as runner-up.

ULAB student Tahsin Zaman Faiza won the cosplay competition, while Presidency University student Mahinoor Akter Maisha was runner-up.

International Standard University secured first place in the cultural competition with its play “Waiting for Trial”.

United International University finished as runner-up with “The ROI of Death”.

The organisers said academics from universities not taking part in the competitions were appointed as judges to ensure fairness and transparency in the adjudication process.

The annual Department of English and Humanities Inter-University Student Conference and Cultural Competition gives students a platform for scholarly discussion and creative expression.