Bangladesh Bags Big at Astronomy Olympiad: First-Ever Gold Among Multiple Medals

Bangladeshi students have made history by winning multiple medals, including the nation’s first-ever gold, at the 4th Open World Astronomy Olympiad held in Sochi, Russia.

Among the winners, Md. Makhdoom Amin Fahim of Jashore Police Lines Secondary School clinched the coveted gold medal. Sharing his feelings, Fahim said: “This is something that no one has ever achieved before. Bringing this honor to my country is truly an extraordinary feeling.” He credited his success to his school, family, and the Bangladesh Astronomical Association.

Encouraging newcomers to participate in the Olympiad, Fahim remarked that strong knowledge of physics and mathematics, along with perseverance, is essential to excel in astronomy.

Other medalists included Saptarshi Rahman, an A-Level student of Hrid International School in Dhaka, and Md. Radit Raiyan, a 12th grader from Adamjee Cantonment College, who both won silver medals. Bronze went to Md. Jubair Hossain Jisan, an 8th grader at Rajshahi Collegiate School, while Sayantan Roy, a 9th grader at South Herald English School in Khulna, received an honorary mention.

At a press conference in Dhaka’s Bishwo Shahitto Kendro auditorium on Tuesday, September 30, the medal-winning students were introduced to the media by the Bangladesh Astronomical Association. Jisan and Sayantan shared their experiences at the event.

Bangladesh Astronomical Association Chairman Moshharul Amin said: “This year it was very challenging to enable students’ participation. But their success has given us renewed motivation. Eighteen gold medals were awarded, and one of them went to our student. Out of six participants from Bangladesh, five won medals—this is a remarkable achievement. But this is not the end. We hope the winners will pursue higher studies in astronomy and contribute to the country’s welfare. If they show interest in fundamental research, we will stand by them.”

The Olympiad was organized by Russia’s Ministry of Education and the Sirius Education Center. A total of 90 participants from 20 countries competed in the hybrid-format competition. Bangladesh’s team was formed from the winners of the 20th Bangladesh Astronomy Olympiad.