No time to read? Just listen to the news!
TL;DR
- Bangladesh won a Bronze Medal and an Honourable Mention at the 17th IOAA 2024 in Brazil.
- Tasdik Ahmed Tonmoy became the youngest IOAA medalist from Bangladesh.
- Labib Bin Azad received an Honourable Mention in his first international attempt.
- The team is preparing for the IOAA Junior event in Nepal this October.
A team from Bangladesh has achieved notable success at the 17th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) 2024, held in Vassouras, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from August 17 to 26. The competition, recognized as one of the most prestigious global contests for high school students, saw participation from 53 teams representing countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and India.
Tasdik Ahmed Tonmoy, a student from Govt. Laboratory High School in Rajshahi, made history by winning a Bronze Medal, becoming the youngest IOAA medalist from Bangladesh. Reflecting on his achievement, Tonmoy expressed, My journey in the Olympiad began when I was in the sixth grade. From then on, I dreamed of one day representing my country on foreign soil and winning a medal for my nation. He added that although this is a dream come true, he aspires for another opportunity to raise Bangladesh’s flag even higher on the global stage.
Labib Bin Azad from Notre Dame College also earned an Honourable Mention. He remarked, I am grateful to bring home an international achievement for my country. Azad expressed surprise at his selection for the international team, as it was his first attempt at the national level.
The Bangladesh Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (BDOAA) Committee, responsible for selecting and preparing the national team, sent a group of five students to the competition. The team was led by Fahim Rajit Hossain and Mahmud Un Nobe. The other team members included Sham Un Muhebbo Sajid from Govt. Laboratory High School, Rajshahi, and Sheikh Hasin Abrar and Radh Chowdhury from Notre Dame College.
Team Leader Fahim Rajit Hossain shared, This year’s participants were mostly new to the Olympiad circuit. Since the field of astronomy and astrophysics is relatively new from our country’s perspective, we couldn’t predict such a brilliant performance from them in their first participation.
The IOAA tests participants through theoretical, observational, and data analysis exams, with the theoretical component carrying the highest weight. The event is organized by the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics Committee, the National Observatory of Brazil, and Brazil’s Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation.
Looking ahead, Team Bangladesh is preparing for the upcoming 3rd International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics Junior (IOAA Jr.) in Kathmandu, Nepal, this October. Sadman S. Azad, Public Relations Manager of BDOAA, stated, We are now focused on preparing for our first-ever participation in the IOAA Jr.
The Bangladeshi team dedicated their success to the martyrs of the recent Anti-Discriminatory student movement in Bangladesh, honoring those who sacrificed their lives for a reformed nation.
Source: The Daily Star
