Bangladesh has won the first-ever gold medal in the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).

Eighteen-year-old Ahmed Zawad Chowdhury, a student from Chittagong Cantonment English School and College, achieved the glory at the 59th IMO held in Romania.

The 59th ceremony of IMO kicked off on July 3 while winners were announced on Wednesday (Jul 11).

Zawad scored 32 out of 42 points with solving four of the six arithmetic problems.

Three others of Bangladesh’s six-member team — Thanic Nur Sharmin (23 points), Joydip Saha (19 points) and Tamzid Morshed Rubab (18 points), also won bronze medals at the IMO.

Bangladesh came at the 42nd position among the 111 participating countries.

On the achievement, Bangladesh Mathematical Olympiad Committee (BdMOC) President and National Professor Jamilur Reza Choudhury said, “This success has fulfilled our long-awaited dream and it will inspire (the students of) the new generations who are fond of mathematics.”

BdMOC Vice-president Professor Mohammad Kaykobad of BUET welcomed the winners saying, “It proves we are not a backward nation anymore, we can fight (with others) equally and gain the highest success.”

Appreciating the team's achievement, BdMOC General Secretary Munir Hasan said, “Bangladesh has showed a gradual success in this international event.”

Previously, Bangladesh appeared at the IMO for 13 times wining six silver and 19 bronze medals, as well as 25 honourable mentions.