Singers, aged 9 to 35, can compete at the Bangla Idol, a talent hunt competition organised by the Speed International. The programme will be launched soon, the organisers said at a briefing at the VIP Lounge of the National Press Club on Sunday.

   Debashish Sarkar, Ashok Saha, Sheikh Hannan, Samadul Haq, Rafiqul Islam and Abida Sultana were present and spoke on the occasion.
  

 ‘Alongside fostering their musical talents, the participants will get an opportunity to earn some extra money’, said the organisers.

   A total of 7776 contestants from across the country will primarily be selected to compete at the talent hunt programme.

   The organisers will group the entries into three categories including 9 to 17, 18 to 26 and 27 to 35 and 2592 participants will compete in each group.

   A total of 12 contestants––4 from each group, will be selected as winners. The best winners of each category will receive Tk three lakh in cash and a brand new car.

   The first and second runners-up will receive Tk two lakh and one lakh in cash, home theatre and sound system respectively while the last recipients of each category will receive Tk fifty thousands in cash and a sound system.

   Besides, every winner will sign a contract to release an album and will get a chance to perform in a concert in America and London.

   The jury comprising renowned singers of the country including Rafiqul Alam, Abida Sultana and others will judge the participants.

   Channel S is the media partner of the competition.