The vibrant and culturally rich “BUP Folk and Cultural Fest 2025” was held from 8-10 July 2025 at Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP). Organized by the BUP Cultural Forum under the overall supervision of the Department of Sociology, the three-day-long festival celebrated the spirit of folk traditions and cultural diversity. The event featured competitions in folk music, folk dance, spiritual songs, Polligiti, drama, recitation, painting, Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Sangeet, modern songs, classical dance and instrumental performances.

More than 200 students from 16 universities across different regions of the country participated in the festival, making it a colorful and lively celebration.

On 8 July, the inter-university level competitions took place with participation from 16 universities. On 9 July, the intra-university competitions were held, featuring BUP’s own students. Each competition was judged by renowned and experienced cultural personalities from respective fields, whose insightful presence significantly contributed to upholding the quality of the events.

On the concluding day, 10 July, the Chief Guest was Brigadier General Md Shahedul Islam, NDC, HDMC, PSC, MPhil the esteemed Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), BUP. He distributed prizes among the winners and appreciated the initiative for encouraging cultural engagement among the youth.

In the Nazrul Sangeet category, Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology became the champion, while Bangladesh Maritime University and State University of Bangladesh secured the first and second runner-up positions, respectively. In Rabindra Sangeet, Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology also won the championship, followed by State University of Bangladesh and Bangladesh Maritime University as the first and second runner-up, respectively.

In the spiritual folk song category, Bangladesh University of Professionals became the champion, North South University was the first runner-up and Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University secured the second runner-up position. In the Polligiti category, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University won the championship, Jahangirnagar University was the first runner-up and North South University came in as second runner-up.

In the folk-dance competition, Daffodil International University became the champion, Southeast University was the first runner-up and North South University was the second runner-up. In the painting competition, the champion was from Jagannath University, followed by participants from the University of Dhaka and Jahangirnagar University as first and second runner-up, respectively.

In the drama competition, Bangladesh Maritime University was the champion, Jahangirnagar University was the first runner-up, and Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University secured the second runner-up position. In recitation, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University became the champion, with BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology and Bangladesh Maritime University achieving first and second runner-up positions, respectively.

Through this festival, BUP has established itself not only as an academic institution but also as a vibrant platform for cultural advancement. The convergence of young students from across the country, showcasing creativity, celebrating heritage, and fostering mutual harmony, undoubtedly conveyed a powerful cultural message.