More than 3,400 students from 600 schools took part in the 18th National Abacus and Mental Arithmetic Competition 2026 organised by ALOHA Bangladesh at International Convention City Bashundhara in the capital.
The two-day event, held on 3 and 4 April, tested speed and accuracy, with participants asked to solve 70 complex sums within five minutes, many achieving 100 per cent accuracy, organisers said in a press release.
ALOHA Bangladesh has been organising the national competition since 2008.
ALOHA Bangladesh Managing Director (MD) Md Ali Haider Chowdhury said the initiative aims to build cognitive skills and future leadership.
“We are working to shape future Bangladesh by developing cognitive abilities and preparing students to become future leaders,” he said.
The programme opened with the national anthem, followed by the inauguration by ALOHA Mental Arithmetic Founder Loh Mun Sung, while students sat for exams in four batches on the first day.
On the second day, prizes were distributed in the presence of ALOHA Mental Arithmetic Founder Loh Mun Sung, ALOHA International Director Kiran Matwani, Embassy of Algeria in Bangladesh Ambassador Abdelouahab Saidani, Daffodil Group Chairman Md Sabur Khan and ALOHA Cambodia representatives Anpheakdey Ouch and Kimhai Heoun.
ALOHA International Director Kiran Matwani said the achievement belongs to both students and their parents.
“Today’s victory belongs not only to the children, but also to the parents who are shaping their future through such decisions,” she said.
Algerian Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdelouahab Saidani said the competition highlights young talent and analytical ability.
“This competition allows participants to discover their potential and demonstrate exceptional mental abilities with speed and precision,” he said.
ALOHA Bangladesh Chairman Saiful Karim chaired the session, while Director Shamsuddin Tipu was also present.
Certificates were distributed by ALOHA graduate teachers, followed by a cultural performance by Kadamati, before announcing results and handing over prizes.
Omnicare Diagnostic Limited supported the event as healthcare partner, while Hashtag Communication Ltd acted as event and strategic partner.
Selected winners will take part in the ALOHA International Competition 2026 in Panama.
ALOHA Bangladesh has been operating since March 2006 and runs an ISO-certified learning system serving more than 6 million students across 42 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, China, India, Malaysia and Bangladesh.
