Six international medal-winning students met with Chief Adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna on Monday. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Sept 8, 2025 (BSS)- Six students won medal in the International Mathematics and Biology Olympiads paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House in the city this afternoon.

Of them Ariz Anas of South Point School and College, Ha-Mim Rahman of Notre Dame College and Farabid Bin Faisal of Mastermind English Medium School own bronze medals at the 36th International Biology Olympiad 2025. 

Jitendra Barua of Chittagong Baklia Government College, Jawad Hameem Chowdhury of Ideal School and College and Tahsin Khan of Mymensingh Zilla School own bronze medals at the 66th International Mathematics Olympiad 2025.

Education Adviser Professor Dr CR Abrar, Primary and Mass Education Adviser Professor Dr Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder, Bangladesh Mathematics Olympiad Committee President and BRAC University Distinguished Professor Mohammad Kaikobad, Bangladesh Mathematics Olympiad Committee General Secretary AA Munir Hasan, and Bangladesh Biology Olympiad Committee President and Dhaka University (DU) supernumerary Professor Dr Rakha Hari Sarker and General Secretary and BUET Professor Dr Muhammad Tarik Arafat were present.

During the meeting, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus listened to the students to know about the experience in the completion and wanted to know about the problems they faced.

 I am very happy to hear from you. You have come to this stage in your own interest. We are also inspired by your enthusiasm and interest,  he said.

Students under 20 years are qualified to contest in the international Olympiads.

During the meeting, Education Adviser Professor Dr CR Abrar informed that a Bangladeshi student won gold medal in a Mathematics Olympiad competing with students from 111 countries.

 It is a matter of pride for us. Many have won bronze in international competitions in mathematics, biology and other subjects,  he said.

Students, who participate in these Olympiads, are connected to a large network, which motivated them to pursue education in top universities across the world with scholarships, the education adviser said, adding,  If we can nurture and encourage them more, they will do much better. 

Primary and Mass Education Adviser Professor Dr Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder said students from various remote areas come to Dhaka to take part in the competitions and prepare themselves for international competitions. 

There are many children who are talented, but their financial situation is not good, he said, adding,  Many times many selected students cannot come to Dhaka due to financial constraints .

 University students work as volunteers in these Olympiads. They examine the answer sheets, prepare question papers, and act as organizers,  Professor Bidhan said.

As the Chief Adviser wanted to know about the Olympiad committee s experiences and action plan, Bangladesh Mathematics Olympiad Committee President Professor Mohammad Kaikobad said this year about 70,000 students from all over the country participated in the first round. 

Noting that they personally raise funds for all the related expenses including registration fees, accommodation and transportation, he said,  Even if a private bank supports us financially, it is not enough .

Sharing their experience, Bangladesh Biology Olympiad Committee President Professor Dr Rakha Hari Sarker said they had started with 10,000 students from primary, secondary and higher secondary levels in the first phase. 

Finally four were selected for the International Biology Olympiad following step by step examinations, he said, adding that this year, 80 countries participated in the Olympiad while students from Bangladesh country have won bronze medals.

Listening to the experiences from the Olympiad committees, the Chief Adviser acclaimed them for taking such initiatives on their own interest. 

 It is a very positive thing that you have voluntarily taken such initiatives. We will look into what kind of cooperation the government can provide to present the talented students on the global stage and further encourage them,  Professor Yunus said.