Gopalganj Science and Technology University (GSTU) hosted the Barisal regional round of the 17th National Undergraduate Mathematics Olympiad for the first time on Friday.
The competition was jointly organized by angladesh Mathematical Society and AF Mujibur Rahman Foundation, with the university’s Department of Mathematics coordinating the event.
GSTU Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Ataur Rahman inaugurated the Olympiad through the national anthem, the release of balloons, and the release of pigeons symbolizing peace.
The preliminary round of the competition was divided into eight regions across the country. The Barisal regional round featured students from four public and five private universities, and 17 government colleges across 11 districts. A total of 140 students registered for the competition.
The examination was held from 10am to noon, with results announced and prizes distributed among the winners following evaluation.
Prof Dr Muhammad Minarul Islam of the university’s Department of Mathematics served as the convener of the regional round.
Among those present were Bangladesh Mathematical Society Vice-President and Jahangirnagar University Mathematics Department Prof Dr Mahtab Uddin Ahmmed, Uttara University Mathematics Department Chairman Prof Dr Shahansha Khan, Barisal University Prof Dr Bijan Krishna Saha, Patuakhali Science and Technology University Prof Dr Mohammad Masudur Rahman, Pirojpur Science and Technology University Associate Professor Dr Md Mosharrof Hossain, and Government Brojomohun College Associate Professor Gautam Kumar Saha.
Prof Dr Muhammad Minarul Islam said the university was delighted to host the national Mathematics Olympiad for the first time, adding that the organizers had received widespread cooperation. He expressed hope that the initiative would continue and that the university would be able to organize a larger-scale mathematics festival in the future.
In his inaugural address, Prof Dr Mohammad Ataur Rahman thanked the Bangladesh Mathematical Society and the organizers, emphasizing the importance of mathematics in developing students' intellectual abilities.
He said the Olympiad provides a platform for identifying talented students at the national level and selecting representatives for international competitions. The event, he added, plays an important role in promoting mathematics and encouraging wider participation in the subject across the country.