Bangladesh Team to Compete in International Geography Olympiad in Russia

A nine-member Bangladesh delegation will participate in the Multinational Youth Geography Olympiad (MY-GEO) 2026, scheduled to take place in Sirius, Russia, from October 24 to 31.

The delegation comprises five students, three team leaders and one observer. They will compete alongside participants from BRICS member states and other countries in the international event, which aims to assess geographical knowledge, analytical thinking and practical problem-solving abilities among students aged 15 to 18.

The competition will cover a range of subjects, including physical and human geography, environmental management, climate change, natural resources and sustainable regional development.

Zero Competitions Limited announced the delegation in a notice issued on October 10. The students secured their places through a Team Selection Test held at the Russian House in Dhaka, where candidates were evaluated on their geographical knowledge, analytical reasoning and ability to solve unfamiliar problems.

The selected students are Minhajul Islam Tahmid of Birshreshtha Munshi Abdur Rouf Public College, Shahriar Noor of Government Science College, Md Tawsikul Islam of Agrani School and College in Rajshahi, Arifa Atiq Mim of Netrokona Government College, and Tanvir Sadat of Notre Dame College.

The team leaders are Md Ayman Mahmud and Taseen Mohammad of the University of Dhaka, along with Ferdous Ahmed of BRAC University. Ahnaf Tahmid Uddin of BRAC University will accompany the delegation as an observer.

Zero Competitions Limited and the Sustainability and Life Sciences Network (SLSN) are coordinating Bangladesh's participation in collaboration with the Russian House and the University of Dhaka.

Three Rounds to Test Geographical Knowledge

MY-GEO 2026 will feature theoretical, multimedia and practical rounds designed to evaluate participants' geographical knowledge and their ability to apply scientific concepts to real-world challenges.

The theoretical round will cover physical geography, human and economic geography, environmental systems, climate change and regional development.

In the multimedia round, participants will analyse maps, satellite imagery, statistical datasets and other geographical materials to identify patterns and draw evidence-based conclusions.

The practical round will involve field observations in and around Sirius and along the Black Sea coast. Participants will collect geographical data, analyse their findings, prepare maps and develop solutions to regional development challenges.

The competition will be conducted in English, with teamwork and collaborative problem-solving forming an important part of the assessment alongside individual knowledge and analytical skills.

Educational Activities Beyond the Competition

The event will be held in the Sirius Federal Territory on Russia's Black Sea coast, near the Caucasus Mountains. The area is home to educational and scientific institutions, including the Sirius Educational Center and Sirius University.

Beyond the competition, participants will have opportunities to attend scientific lectures, educational sessions and workshops focusing on Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, environmental conservation and regional development.

These activities will enable students to exchange knowledge and experiences with international participants, researchers and specialists.

The host organisers will provide accommodation and meals for participating students and eligible team leaders, while international travel expenses will be covered by the sending side.

Bangladesh Geography Olympiad Planned as an Annual Event

Meanwhile, initiatives are underway to establish the Bangladesh Geography Olympiad (BGeO) as an annual platform for students interested in geography, geology and related Earth sciences.

The initiative aims to encourage school and college students to explore these disciplines and expand opportunities for participation in international geography and Earth science competitions.

Information about future editions, including registration procedures and announcements, will be shared through the olympiad's official Facebook page and the communication channels of Zero Competitions and SLSN.

Bangladesh's participation in MY-GEO 2026 will provide the selected students with an opportunity to compete with international peers while gaining practical experience in geographical research, spatial analysis and environmental studies.

The event is also expected to broaden their understanding of geographical problem-solving approaches and promote scientific learning and cross-cultural exchange.