The preliminary selection for the 14th edition of the national child artist competition Shapla Kuri 2026 began in Dhaka on Monday, with children from the Dhaka, Faridpur and Mymensingh zones taking part.

Organised by Bangladesh Zia Shishu Academy, the competition covers six disciplines: Qirat, recitation, music, dance, acting and instrumental music. The first round is being held at the Institute of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IDEB) building in Kakrail and will continue today, September 22.

More than 500 contestants took part in the Qirat, recitation and music categories on Monday, with 60 receiving “yes cards” and advancing from the preliminary selection, according to the supplied report.

Held under the slogan “Jekhane Protibha, Sekhanei Amra” (Wherever there is talent, there we are), the preliminary selections will take place across 12 zones, with successful contestants moving on to the main round.

The Barishal, Khulna and Jashore zones will hold their preliminary selections on September 27 and 28, followed by the Sylhet, Cumilla and Chattogram zones on September 29 and 30. Qirat, recitation and music will be contested on the first day in each zone, followed by dance, acting and instrumental music on the second.

The main competition will feature 15 individual and three group categories. Contestants can participate in up to three individual categories and one group category.

First, second and third places will be awarded in each category, while two contestants will also be selected as Shaplakuri Champions in two divisions.

At Monday’s opening, BNP National Executive Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy said children should be given opportunities to develop their interests and talents.

“Today’s children will run the country in the future and make significant contributions in different fields. Therefore, instead of restricting children’s psychological needs and hidden talents from an early age, they should be nurtured creatively,” he said.

He also said that not being selected in a competition should not be viewed as a setback in life, urging participants to continue working to improve their performance.