Robotics Rising: Record Response at IRO Bangladesh Open 2025
The national phase of the International Robot Olympiad (IRO) Bangladesh Open 2025 concluded with a two-day program at the University of Asia Pacific campus in Dhaka. Nearly 700 students from around 40 districts across the country, ranging from school to college level, registered individually or in teams to participate in the Olympiad. Contestants who passed the online preliminary round advanced to the national stage, held on Friday and Saturday, where the Bangladesh team was scouted for the upcoming 27th International Robot Olympiad to be held in Gold Coast, Australia, this December.
In the Creative Movie category, senior group gold was awarded to Nusaiyba Tajrin Tanisha of YWCA Higher Secondary Girls’ School; in the Physical Computing category, senior group gold went to Nafiya Basar Suhani of Mohammadpur Preparatory School and College; while in the Robotics Quiz category, junior group gold was secured by Sarim Sharif of Sunnydale School.
In addition, a total of 20 medals—gold, silver, and bronze—were awarded across categories, along with three honorary recognitions. This year’s central theme was “Space Robot.”
Parents described the International Robot Olympiad as a vital platform for their children. They noted that it not only fosters creativity and talent but also offers a rare opportunity for students to represent Bangladesh on the global stage. The parent of a third-grade participant remarked, “By participating here, my daughter is learning so much. From the techniques of building robots to teamwork, time management, and embracing new ideas, everything has become part of her learning journey.”
The colorful closing ceremony began at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 13. University of Asia Pacific Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Kamrul Ahsan attended as chief guest and praised the initiative, stating, “This event proves that the true place of learning is not only in classrooms but hidden within experience. Today’s youth are not merely competing; they are developing new perspectives. I believe this is where they will find the inspiration to transform tomorrow’s society and the world.”
Special guest Md. Abu Sayeed, Director General (Additional Secretary) of the Department of Information and Communication Technology, also attended the event, along with Datsoft Systems President Manjur Mahmud, Vivasoft Co-Founder Shafqat Asif, BdOSN President Munir Hasan, and Professor Dr. Lafifa Jamal, central committee member of the International Robot Olympiad.
A team selection camp will soon be organized for the national phase winners. Based on their performance, the final Bangladesh national team will be formed to represent the country in the 27th International Robot Olympiad in Australia this December.
The two-day event began Friday morning at 7:00 a.m. with registration. The first day hosted the Creative Category and Physical Computing contests, while the second day featured the Creative Movie category. Alongside, a Robotics Quiz was also held—not an official part of the international competition, but introduced to further encourage student enthusiasm in robotics.
Ahead of the main competition, activation workshops were conducted across all eight divisions of the country. These workshops familiarized students with the basics of robotics, competition structures, and participation rules, while also boosting their curiosity and practical skills through hands-on activities.
The IRO Bangladesh Open 2025 was organized by Bangladesh Open Source Network (BdOSN), with Kishor Alo and BigganChinta—two leading youth and science magazines—and the technology firm Cloud Number 24 serving as event partners.
