Aloha Bangladesh hosted the 18th National Abacus and Mental Arithmetic Competition 2026 on 3–4 April at International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka.

More than 3,400 students from 600 schools across Bangladesh participated in the two-day event, all enrolled in Aloha Bangladesh’s various branches. The organisation has held the competition annually since 2008.

The competition aimed to test the speed and accuracy of participants, who were tasked with solving 70 complex sums in five minutes. Organisers reported that many students achieved full marks within the allotted time.

The event commenced with the national anthem, followed by an inauguration from Aloha Mental Arithmetic founder Loh Mun Sung. After opening remarks, participants sat for the five-minute examination in four batches.

On the second day, awards were presented to winners. Chief guest Loh Mun Sung, alongside special guests including Aloha International Director Kiran Matwani, Algerian Ambassador Dr Abdelouahab Saidani, Daffodil Group Chairman Dr Md Sabur Khan, and Aloha Cambodia representatives Anpheakdey Ouch and Kimhai Heoun, distributed the prizes.

Aloha Bangladesh Managing Director Md Ali Haider Chowdhury FCMA delivered the welcome address, with Chairman Saiful Karim chairing the session. Director Shamsuddin Tipu was also in attendance.

In his address, Md Ali Haider Chowdhury said, “We are shaping the future of Bangladesh by focusing on cognitive development and empowering our students to become future leaders.”

Kiran Matwani said, “We express our sincere gratitude to the parents whose support has enabled their children to participate in the 18th National Mental Arithmetic Competition. This achievement is shared by both the students and their families, who have made a constructive decision for their children’s development.”

Dr Abdelouahab Saidani remarked, “This competition offers a valuable platform for students to demonstrate their abilities and discover new talents. The remarkable performances by young participants, solving complex mathematical problems with speed and accuracy, reflect the growing strength of cognitive education in Bangladesh.”

Following the speeches, guests were presented with mementoes, and Aloha graduate teachers received certificates. The programme also featured a dance-drama by Kadamati, before concluding with the announcement of results and prize distribution.

Omnicare Diagnostic Limited was the event’s healthcare partner, with Hashtag Communication Ltd serving as event and strategic partner.

Selected winners will represent Bangladesh at the Aloha International Competition 2026 in Panama.

Aloha Bangladesh, operating since March 2006, is part of the ISO-certified Aloha learning system, which serves over six million students across 42 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, China, India, Malaysia, and Bangladesh.