16 Bangladeshi students to represent country at 23rd IMSO in Indonesia
A team of 16 Bangladeshi students will leave Dhaka on 1 October to participate in the 23rd International Mathematics and Science Olympiad (IMSO), scheduled for 2–7 October in Depok, West Java, Indonesia.
The team comprises eight students each in mathematics and science. Indonesia's Mathematics Education Clinic and the country's Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education are organising this year's competition, according to the press release.
The team members were introduced at a press conference at Bishwo Shahitto Kendro in the capital's Banglamotor on 28 September, 2026. Munir Hasan, president of the Bangladesh Open Source Network and the Society for the Popularisation of Science, Bangladesh, read out a written statement.
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The students spend their leisure time solving Rubik's cubes, programming computers, playing chess and drawing. Their ambitions range from studying at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to becoming scientists and cardiac surgeons. They will now represent Bangladesh on an international stage.
"Last year, all 12 of our students won medals on our first participation. This year, the team is larger and our preparation has been more thorough. If we can nurture a love of mathematics and science at the primary level, it will one day become one of the country's greatest assets," said Munir.
From 800 participants to a team of 16
The Bangladesh Mathematics and Science Olympiad began last year to encourage primary school students to take an interest in mathematics and science. This year marked the competition's second edition.
Around 800 students participated in the national round, held simultaneously in Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet and Rangpur on 8 August. Winners attended a national online camp from 11 to 20 August. Selection tests for the mathematics and science teams took place on 21 and 22 August, through which the final 16 students were chosen.
The selected students attended a residential preparation camp in Dhaka from 15 to 18 September, spending their time on practical laboratory exercises and problem-solving.
"At the camp, we focused on teaching students to think rather than memorise. The enthusiasm we saw in their eyes as they carried out experiments themselves was our greatest reward," said Mim Naz Rahman, mentor of the science team.
Dreams and preparations
Each team member is excited about the competition and the opportunity to meet peers from different countries for the first time.
"This will be my first time travelling abroad and sitting an examination alongside contestants from other countries. I am a little nervous, but much more excited. I want to bring home a medal for my country," said Tahmid Hasan, a member of the science team.
Parents are also proud of their children's journey.
"He has loved asking questions since he was little. I never imagined that his curiosity would take him to an international stage with the country's flag in his hands. We are grateful to the organisers," said Humayun Kabir, parent of Raiyan Afrad, the team's youngest member.
About the competition
The International Mathematics and Science Olympiad is an international competition for primary school students aged under 13. Initiated by Indonesia, it is now held annually in different countries.
Bangladesh made its debut at the 22nd edition in Kedah, Malaysia, last year. All 12 members of the team won medals, securing two silvers and 10 bronzes.
Mathematics team
| Name | Educational institution | Class |
|---|---|---|
| Arijit Saha – mathematics champion's trophy winner in the national round | St Joseph Higher Secondary School | Six |
| Ali Omar – highest scorer in the national round and overall champion's trophy winner | St Joseph Higher Secondary School | Six |
| Md Nabi Hossain | St Joseph Higher Secondary School | Six |
| Ihan Abrad Rahman | St Joseph Higher Secondary School | Six |
| Md Samin Saif | St Joseph Higher Secondary School | Six |
| Sharaf Bin Anwar | St Joseph Higher Secondary School | Six |
| Md Shahid Morsalin | St Joseph Higher Secondary School | Six |
| Irtish Zayed Liam | St Joseph Higher Secondary School | Five |
Science team
| Name | Educational institution | Class |
|---|---|---|
| Tahmid Hasan – science champion's trophy winner in the national round | Manarat Dhaka International School and College | Six |
| Avigyan Roy Golpo | SFX Greenherald International School | Six |
| Shahabi Ibn Kabbo | St Joseph Higher Secondary School | Six |
| Rafsan Shafiq Talukder | Bonowary Lal Government High School, Sirajganj | Six |
| Arham Abid | Baseerah International School | Six |
| Md Miftahul Islam | Mymensingh International School | Five |
| Raiyan Afrad | St Joseph International School | Four |
| Mohammad Mushrif Alam | AG Church School | Four |
Team leaders and mentors
| Role | Name and affiliation |
|---|---|
| Team leader | Munir Hasan, president of the Bangladesh Open Source Network and the Society for the Popularisation of Science, Bangladesh; country coordinator of IMSO Bangladesh |
| Assistant team leader | Md Tanvirul Islam, programme manager of the Bangladesh Open Source Network |
| Mathematics team mentor | Samira Sumaiya, architecture, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology |
| Science team mentor | Mim Naz Rahman, electrical and electronic engineering, Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology |
The Bangladesh Mathematics and Science Olympiad is organised jointly by the Bangladesh Open Source Network, the Society for the Popularisation of Science, Bangladesh, and MASLab.
