WMTC 2024: A Veni, Vidi, Vici event for Bangladeshi Young Mathematicians
December, the month of victory for Bangladesh, began with a historic achievement as 27 young mathematicians brought international glory to the nation. Competing in the prestigious World Mathematics Team Championship (WMTC) 2024, held from November 28 to December 1 in Doha, Qatar, Bangladesh earned a stunning victory. With six gold, eleven silver, seven bronze medals, and three merit awards, the performance showcased the nation’s growing prowess in mathematics on the global stage.
About the WMTC 2024
The WMTC, organized annually by the Qatar Foundation, is a premier platform for mathematical problem-solving, logical reasoning, and networking. This year, over 700 students from 120 teams representing 27 countries, including China, the USA, Japan, and India, participated in the competition. For Bangladesh, this marked the first time entering the WMTC arena, thanks to the efforts of the math-focused startup Banglar Math.
Team Bangladesh: Five Teams, One Goal
Five teams represented Bangladesh: The Bengal Hexagon, The Royal Six of Bengal, The Delta Six, The Bengal Hexa, and The Bengal Trinomial. Each team underwent a challenging, three-stage, one-hour test that covered topics like Number Theory, Geometry, Algebra, and Combinatorics. Questions required precision and quick thinking, as both multiple-choice and written problem-solving were part of the competition. Despite being newcomers, Bangladesh made an outstanding impact, securing positions in the top 30% of all participating teams.
The Medalists and Their Achievements
In the individual rounds, six students won gold medals:
- Ahan Banik (Grade 7, St. Joseph Higher Secondary School)
- Tahmid Al Asad (Grade 8, St. Joseph Higher Secondary School)
- Sakif Mihran Sabir (Grade 9, St. Joseph Higher Secondary School)
- Nashwan Haque Mahir (Grade 8, Dhaka Residential Model College)
- Projesh Bhowmik (Grade 8, Motijheel Govt. Boys’ School)
- Mobashir Arik (Grade 9, Birshreshtha Noor Mohammad Public College)
Other notable achievements included silver medals won by students from institutions like AGA Khan Academy, Presidency International School, and Quantum Cosmo School in Bandarban. Students from rural and underprivileged areas, like U Sain Wong Marma from Bandarban, also performed brilliantly, showcasing the reach and impact of mathematics education across diverse regions of Bangladesh.
A Rigorous Journey to Success
The journey to WMTC was as challenging as the competition itself. Over 2,000 students initially registered for the selection process in Bangladesh, which began with an online round. The top performers then participated in the national-level Banglar Math Team Championship (BMTC), organized under the slogan "Let Math Be Fun." Held at Southeast University, Dhaka, on September 27, the event brought together 450 participants from various schools and colleges. After rigorous testing, the best 101 students were shortlisted, forming teams for Junior, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.
Months of Intense Preparation
The preparation was intense, with students undergoing two months of focused training sessions led by four dedicated coaches: Ahmed Shahriar, Mahtab Hossain, Ashraful Al Shakur, and Farhan Uddin. These efforts paid off spectacularly as the teams not only participated but outperformed many experienced contenders.
Ahmed Shahriar, co-founder of Banglar Math and coach, recounted the moments of pride:
"When the award announcements began and one of our students won gold, it was electrifying. We kept hearing Bangladesh’s name called repeatedly, and everyone in the audience turned to look at us. It was a moment of immense pride for our nation."
Voices of the Victorious
Many of the students shared how this was their first time traveling abroad, making the experience even more special. Initially, they felt intimidated by competitors from powerhouse nations like China, the USA, and India, who arrived with advanced gadgets and exuded confidence. However, with motivation from their coaches, the Bangladeshi teams quickly regained their focus and performed beyond expectations.
- Gold Medalist Ahan Banik (St. Joseph):
"At first, we were nervous seeing the dominating teams. But as the competition progressed, we realized we were doing well. Eventually, we even outperformed teams like India and Bulgaria. It was an incredible experience to make friends with students from countries like the USA, South Korea, and the Philippines after the results." - Gold Medalist Sakif Mihran Sabir (St. Joseph):
"This was my first international competition. Winning gold has boosted my confidence, and I believe we can challenge even stronger teams like China and the USA in the future." - Silver Medalist U Sain Wong Marma (Quantum Cosmo School, Bandarban):
"Coming from a remote area, this was my first time competing internationally. It was challenging, but I’m overjoyed to have won a silver medal for my country."
Transforming Mathematics in Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s victory at WMTC is more than just medals; it marks a shift in the nation’s attitude toward mathematics. Once considered intimidating, mathematics is now a source of excitement and pride for students. Initiatives like Banglar Math, coupled with opportunities like WMTC, have ignited a passion for math among young learners across the country.
The achievements of these young mathematicians not only highlight their talent but also serve as an inspiration for future generations. With the right support and training, Bangladesh is poised to become a dominant force in global mathematics competitions.
