Play store
Nine children of Nagad entrepreneurs emerged as national winners in the grand finale of the “Quran Recitation by Children” competition organised by Nagad Islamic, an initiative of Nagad Limited, to promote religious values and Quranic education among the younger generation.
Nearly 3,000 contestants from 10 regions across the country took part in the competition, which began on February 5 and concluded with the grand finale on July 28 at Hotel Sheraton Dhaka.
Thirty finalists competed in the final round by reciting the Holy Quran before a panel of judges. Three winners from each of the three age-based categories were selected, making a total of nine national champions.
The winners received cash prizes, crests and certificates. The first, second and third prize winners in each category received Tk 50,001, Tk 30,001 and Tk 20,001 respectively. In addition, each of the 30 finalists was awarded Tk 10,000 along with a certificate, while 60 regional winners received special certificates.
The contestants were evaluated on five criteria: correct pronunciation (Makharij), adherence to Tajweed rules, accuracy of recitation, vocal quality and overall presentation.
The event was attended by Nagad Administrator Md Motasim Billah, Associate Administrator Anwar Ullah, Chief Commercial Officer Mohammad Shahin Sarwar Bhuiyan, Chief Business Support and Service Assurance Officer Lt Col (Retd) Md Kawsar Sawkat Ali, Head of Marketing Heras Uddin Muhammad Mehdi Sazzad, and other senior officials of the company.
The judging panel comprised Hafez Mawlana Masum Billah, Imam and Khatib of Banani Central Jame Mosque; Islamic scholar Mawlana Gazi Sanaullah Rahmani; Islamic speaker Alhaj Mawlana Hafez Kazi Maruf Billah of Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television; and Professor Dr HM Shahidul Islam Barakati, Chairman of the Nagad Islamic Shariah Supervisory Committee.
Speaking at the function, Nagad Administrator Md Motasim Billah said the initiative had not only promoted Islamic values but also strengthened bonds within the extended Nagad family.
He also announced that Nagad would recruit six madrasa graduates as Territory Managers in the near future to help integrate them into the mainstream workforce.
Professor Dr HM Shahidul Islam Barakati said the competition was designed to encourage children to learn proper Quran recitation from an early age while helping them develop moral values and disciplined lives. He expressed hope that the initiative would be expanded further in the coming years.