Khulna:The preliminary round of the 16th Bangladesh Chemistry Olympiad 2027 was held at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) on Saturday. The event aimed to promote chemistry education, encourage creativity, foster innovative thinking, and raise scientific awareness among young individuals.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, KUET Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Muhammad Masud inaugurated the competition as the chief guest. The ceremony began with the hoisting of the national flag, KUET flag, and Bangladesh Chemistry Olympiad flag by the chief guest and other dignitaries. Professor Masud also administered the Olympiad oath to the participating students.
The inauguration of the preliminary round was marked by the release of balloons carrying placards. In his address, Professor Masud emphasized the role of chemistry in understanding nature, matter, and everyday life changes. He highlighted the importance of encouraging students to ask questions, think logically, and develop a research-oriented mindset. He expressed hope that the Olympiad would nurture students' talents and creativity, preparing them to become future scientists and researchers.
Professor Dr. Mohammad Abu Yousuf, dean of KUET's Faculty of Science and Humanities and convener of the Olympiad, presided over the ceremony and delivered the welcome address. Additional speakers included KUET Director of Student Welfare Professor Dr. Md Hasan Ali and Professor Sheikh Md Abdullah from the Department of Chemistry at Government M. M. City College in Khulna.
A total of 407 students from classes XI and XII from various colleges in Khulna participated in the preliminary round at KUET. The participants were tasked with answering 60 questions in a one-hour examination. Twenty students, ten from each class, will be awarded based on their performance.
The preliminary round is being conducted at 15 regional examination centers nationwide. From these centers, the top 200 students will be selected to advance to the final round. The top four contestants from the final round will represent Bangladesh at the International Chemistry Olympiad. The final round is scheduled to be held on November 28, 2026, at the Department of Chemistry of Jagannath University in Dhaka.