Three students from Bangladesh have been honored with prizes in the 2025 Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition, which holds the distinction of being the globe’s most longstanding international school-level writing contest.
Their work stood out among 53,434 submissions sent in from throughout the Commonwealth nations.
In the Junior Category, Mir Navid Zayer from Playpen School was bestowed with a Gold Award. Afifa Nawar, also from Playpen School, earned a Silver Award in the Senior Category, while Rituraj Bhowmick of the Australian International School received a Silver Award.
Afifa’s piece, “Me, Steve and Something Else,” was commended for its inventive approach to the assigned topic. The narrative charts the perspective of a sunflower observing the life of a girl who has amnesia.
The theme for the Junior Category was “Our Commonwealth Journey”.
Organised by the Royal Commonwealth Society, the contest invited youth to delve into geographical, historical, and personal voyages connecting the 56 member states of the Commonwealth. This year, participants from 54 countries submitted their entries.
Established in 1883, the competition’s purpose is to prompt youth to contemplate worldwide challenges and shared communal narratives. It is divided into two age groups, with Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards presented to acknowledge outstanding written work.
By securing these awards, the Bangladeshi students have positioned themselves within the upper echelon of young literary talents across the Commonwealth.
