The Royal Commonwealth Society informed Aanan of the award via email on 23 October.

A Grade Six student at Apple Tree International School in Dhaka, Aanan received the award for his piece titled “The Rhythm of Identity”, which explores cultural exchange among Commonwealth countries.

The story centres on Aanan’s encounter with a Jamaican teenager named Amara on a rainy afternoon. Through food, music and conversation, he introduces her to Bangladesh’s culture, history and everyday life.

The piece highlights traditional Bangladeshi dishes, including rice, lentils, fried aubergine and hilsa, to explore the country’s rivers, agriculture, economic realities and festival traditions.

It also explores the diversity of Bengali music, including Lalon songs, Rabindra Sangeet, Bhatiyali and Bhawaiya, alongside the history of the Language Movement.

Aanan tells Amara that people in Bangladesh enjoy the music of legendary Jamaican musician Bob Marley. The revelation moves her, highlighting the cultural connections between Bangladesh and Jamaica and the diversity of Commonwealth nations.

The story concludes with Aanan reflecting on how sharing another country’s culture can help people rediscover their own.

Speaking to Art News about the award, Aanan said he was happy with the recognition but somewhat disappointed after winning gold last year and bronze this year. He said the result would motivate him to perform better in next year’s competition.

Aanan submitted the piece in April while studying in Grade Five. The Royal Commonwealth Society formally informed him of the bronze award via email on 23 October and sent a digital copy of the certificate, he told Art News.

Established in 1883, the Queen’s Commonwealth Writing Competition is one of the world’s oldest international writing competitions for school students. The Royal Commonwealth Society organises it annually.

This year, 53,840 students from 56 Commonwealth member countries participated in the senior and junior categories, an increase of 406 participants from the previous year, according to the press release.

In 2023, Aanan won first place in a quiz competition at the Smart Children Carnival, which drew 14,000 students.

He also hosts “Talk with Aanan”, a talk show featuring celebrities from Bangladesh and abroad, on his YouTube channel, Mugli’s World. He regularly writes stories as well.

Aanan’s father, Rahman Mustafiz, is a senior journalist. His mother, Kazi Tamanna, is the publisher and editor of Art News, as well as a senior news presenter and artist.