Bangladeshi students brought unprecedented glory by winning four medals, including the country’s first-ever gold, and one Honorable Mention at the 4th Open World Astronomy Olympiad in Sochi, Russia.
The Bangladesh Astronomical Association (BAA) held a reception at Bishwo Shahitto Kendro in Dhaka to celebrate the achievement, where the winners shared their experiences and were encouraged to aim higher in future academic and scientific pursuits.
Md Makhdum Amin Fahim, a 10th-grade student of Jessore Police Lines Secondary School, clinched the gold medal for Bangladesh. Saptarshi Rahman, an A-Level student of HEED International School, and Md Radit Raiyan, a 12th-grade student of Adamjee Cantonment College, won silver medals.
Md Jubair Hossain Jisan, an 8th-grade student of Rajshahi Collegiate School, earned the bronze, while Sayantan Roy, a 9th-grade student of South Herald English School, Khulna, received an Honorable Mention.
The six-member team was led by Mashhurul Amin, Chairman of the Bangladesh Astro-Olympiad National Committee.
The Olympiad was held from September 21 to 27 at the Sirius Conference Center in Sochi, organized by the Russian Ministry of Education and the Sirius Education Center, with 90 contestants from 20 countries, Shahpar Alam, Director of the Bangladesh Astro-Olympiad National Committee, said.
“One of our team members won a gold medal and all others received recognition. This is a landmark achievement, but it is just the beginning. We want these medalists to pursue higher studies in astronomy and contribute to the country’s development, and the Astronomical Association will support them in fundamental research,” Mashhurul Amin said.
“Our young students have brightened Bangladesh’s name on the global stage, and their success will inspire the next generation to engage more deeply with science,” Shahpar Alam said.
The event was also attended by Robin Fakir, Director (academic) and coordinator of the National Committee of Astro-Olympiad, along with the proud parents of the medal-winning students.
