Nine-Member Bangladesh Team to Compete in International Geography Olympiad in Russia

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

The delegation comprises five students from educational institutions across Bangladesh, three team leaders and one team observer. They will join students from BRICS member states and other participating countries in an international competition focusing on geographical knowledge, analytical thinking and practical problem-solving.

Designed for students aged 15 to 18, the Olympiad covers a broad range of subjects, including physical and human geography, environmental management, climate change, natural resources and sustainable regional development.

Five Students Selected Through Team Selection Test

Zero Competitions Limited announced the Bangladesh delegation in an official notice issued on October 10, 2026.

According to the announcement, the students were selected through a Team Selection Test (TST) held at the Russian House in Dhaka. The assessment evaluated geographical knowledge, analytical reasoning and the ability to understand and solve unfamiliar problems.

The five 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, Rajshahi; Arifa Atiq Mim of Netrokona Government College; and Tanvir Sadat of Notre Dame College.

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

Bangladesh's participation is being coordinated by Zero Competitions Limited and the Sustainability and Life Sciences Network (SLSN), with support from the Russian House in Dhaka and the University of Dhaka.

Three Rounds to Test Geographical Knowledge and Skills

MY-GEO 2026 will feature three main rounds: theoretical, multimedia and practical. Each round will assess different aspects of geographical understanding and the ability to apply scientific knowledge.

The theoretical round will cover physical geography, human and economic geography, environmental systems, climate change and regional development. Participants will be expected to analyse geographical situations and develop reasoned answers rather than simply reproduce memorised information.

In the multimedia round, students will work with maps, satellite imagery, statistical datasets and other geographical materials. They will analyse information, identify geographical patterns and draw conclusions based on the evidence presented.

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 proposals addressing regional development challenges.

The competition will be conducted in English. In addition to individual knowledge and analytical ability, teamwork and collaborative problem-solving will be important.

Educational Activities Beyond the Competition

The event will take place 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 Centre and Sirius University.

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

These activities will also provide opportunities to exchange ideas and interact with students, researchers and specialists from different countries.

According to the organisers' information, accommodation and meals will be arranged for participating students and eligible team leaders, while international travel expenses will be borne by the sending side.

Bangladesh Geography Olympiad to Be Held Annually

Alongside Bangladesh's participation in MY-GEO 2026, an initiative is underway to establish a regular national platform for students interested in geography, geology and related Earth sciences.

The Bangladesh Geography Olympiad (BGeO) is set to be organised annually, offering school and college students opportunities to deepen their knowledge and develop skills in these subjects.

The initiative aims to encourage greater interest in geography and Earth sciences while expanding opportunities for Bangladeshi students to participate in international competitions.

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

An Opportunity for International Exposure

For the five selected students, MY-GEO 2026 will offer an opportunity to test their knowledge alongside peers from other countries and learn about different approaches to geographical problem-solving.

Fieldwork and analytical challenges are expected to provide practical exposure to geographical research, spatial analysis and environmental studies. The experience may also help participants develop a broader understanding of how geography is studied and applied beyond the classroom.

As the competition approaches, Bangladesh's nine-member delegation is preparing to represent the country at an international academic event that brings together geographical knowledge, scientific investigation and cultural exchange.