Grand finale of BUFT Public Speaking Competition 2025 held
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BUFT Celebrates the Grand Finale of its 2025 Public Speaking Competition
The Bangladesh University of Finance and Technology (BUFT) concluded its annual 2025 Public Speaking Competition with a grand finale held on Friday, 14 August 2025, at the university’s state‑of‑the‑art auditorium. The event drew a lively audience of more than 250 students, faculty members, and industry professionals, who gathered to witness the crowning of the best orators from across the country.
A Showcase of Talent and Confidence
The competition, which began earlier in the year with regional rounds and a series of workshops, attracted participants from over twenty universities, including top institutions such as the University of Dhaka, North South University, and the Institute of Business Administration. Contestants were required to deliver speeches on a range of themes—from “Sustainable Development in Bangladesh” to “The Role of Youth in Economic Growth”—and were judged on content, delivery, language, and engagement.
The grand finale featured two finalists, each having advanced through rigorous preliminary and semi‑final stages. In a dramatic conclusion, the finalists delivered ten‑minute speeches, followed by a Q&A session with the panel of judges. The audience’s applause and the judges’ deliberations built a palpable sense of anticipation before the announcement of the winners.
Winners and Prizes
The competition’s top award went to Ahmed Faruk, a third‑year BBA student from the University of Dhaka, who captivated the panel with his impassioned discourse on “Women’s Economic Empowerment.” Faruk’s speech, delivered in fluent English and complemented by a powerful visual aid, earned him the first‑place cash prize of BDT 50,000, a trophy, and a certificate of excellence.
The second‑place honor was awarded to Mira Khan, a finance student from BUFT itself, whose speech on “Digital Transformation in Banking” received praise for its clarity and insightful analysis. Khan received a cash prize of BDT 30,000 and a certificate.
Both finalists were commended by the judges for their confident stage presence and the relevance of their topics to contemporary issues facing Bangladesh. The competition’s sponsors also presented special awards for the “Most Persuasive Speech” and the “Best Use of Visual Aids.”
Judges and Mentorship
The judging panel comprised distinguished professionals and academics, including:
- Prof. Dr. Rafiq Ahmed, Dean of Business Administration at the University of Dhaka.
- Ms. Shirin Begum, Chief Communications Officer at BRAC Bank.
- Dr. Nazrul Islam, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Development Studies.
The judges praised the participants for their articulate expression and noted that the competition had successfully achieved its objective of fostering critical thinking and public speaking skills among the student body.
The event was further enriched by a short workshop led by Dr. Sabiha Chowdhury, a renowned communication specialist. The workshop, titled “The Art of Persuasion,” provided practical tips on voice modulation, body language, and audience engagement, offering valuable take‑aways for all attendees.
BUFT’s Commitment to Excellence
BUFT, a private university established in 2015, has steadily grown into a respected institution for higher education in finance, management, and technology. Its mission emphasizes holistic development, encouraging students to excel academically while cultivating essential life skills. The public speaking competition aligns perfectly with this mission, offering a platform for students to hone their rhetorical abilities and gain confidence in public forums.
The university’s website, accessible at www.buft.edu.bd, offers detailed information about its academic programs, research initiatives, and campus life, highlighting its commitment to nurturing well‑rounded graduates equipped for the global marketplace.
Looking Ahead
The success of the 2025 public speaking competition has set a high benchmark for future editions. BUFT announced that the 2026 event will introduce new categories, including a “Speech in the Local Language” segment to promote cultural heritage. Additionally, the university plans to partner with corporate sponsors to provide more extensive mentorship opportunities for participants.
In the words of Prof. Dr. Rafiq Ahmed, “Competitions like these serve as vital catalysts for intellectual growth. They push students to articulate their ideas, think critically, and communicate effectively—skills that are indispensable in any professional arena.”
The grand finale of the BUFT 2025 Public Speaking Competition was not just a celebration of individual talent; it was a testament to the university’s dedication to cultivating articulate, thoughtful, and confident leaders ready to contribute meaningfully to Bangladesh’s evolving economy.
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