Bangladesh’s Budding Bright Minds Shine at 26th Robot Olympiad
Since its debut in 2018, Bangladesh has been steadily excelling at the Robot Olympiad, securing 14 gold medals over the past seven years. In the latest achievement, the country clinched 10 medals, including 6 golds, at the 26th International Robot Olympiad held this year in South Korea. Notably, among these, 2 overall and 6 gold medals were won by female participants.
On Sunday, the ICT Division organized a felicitation ceremony at the BCC Auditorium of the ICT Tower to honor the winners. The victors, along with their coach Mishal Islam, were congratulated. Ariettri and Abrar Abir, among the champions, shared their experiences and future aspirations at the event.
Joining virtually as the chief guest, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister's Principal Adviser, stated, "From now on, we will provide regular logistical, technical, and training support to those participating in various competitions. Furthermore, the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications will extend assistance to those who have demonstrated excellence over the past year, under the theme of Telecom Day."
He added, "If we can create an environment of innovation for our youth, we can help realize the ideas they nurture. We believe that this revolution will be successful when we can ensure quality employment and develop a true ecosystem within the country. To implement the creativity of the young generation, coordinated efforts are essential. Since most startups are technology-dependent, technology will play a crucial role, and we will establish technical support, funding, and communications through ICT and Telecom. Soon, we will initiate 'University Activation' at 25 universities, followed by Startup Summits in various schools and colleges grouped accordingly."
The event was graced by special guests including Shish Haider Chowdhury, Secretary of the ICT Division, and Md. Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan, Project Director of a2i and Additional Secretary of the Division.
In his speech, ICT Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury remarked, "No matter how fast technology advances, our young achievers have shown that we are not lagging behind. We are now confident. Hence, the ICT Division will support them generously in future events. There is no scope for budget cuts in this sector."
Presiding over the event, Mohammad Anwar Uddin, Director General of the ICT Directorate, announced that due to a shortage of robotics equipment and lab facilities, Bangladeshi students could not participate in six previous editions. To address this, a dedicated Robotics Research Center will be established, and future generations will continue to receive support.
The program, moderated by ICT Directorate Director Mu. Khairuzzaman, was also attended by BDRO Chairperson Lafifa Jamal and Professor Senjuti Rahman, Head of the Robotics and Mechatronics Department at the University of Dhaka.
It is noteworthy that the 27th edition of the International Robot Olympiad is scheduled to be held in Gold Coast, Australia, in December next year. The 26th edition took place on January 21 at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO) in Busan, South Korea. The Bangladesh team, comprising 10 members, secured 10 medals in total: 2 golds, 4 silvers, and 4 bronzes.
Among the notable winners, Arietti Islam of team "Anari" won gold in the Creative Category Junior Group, and Namia Raujat Nubala of "Seriously Clueless" team won gold in the Creative Movie Category Senior Group.
Silver medals were won by Arietti Islam (Anari team) in the Physical Computing Junior Group, Nusaiba Tajrin Tanisha (Zeroth team) and Priyonti Das (Team Shifu) in the Creative Movie Category Senior Group, and members of "SAF.AI" team — Hasin Ishraq Chowdhury Taha, A.Z.M. Imtenan Kabir, and Abrar Abir from Dhaka Residential Model College — in the Creative Category Senior Group.
