The 15th Bangladesh Mathematical Olympiad 2017 began at St Joseph Higher Secondary School in the capital yesterday.

A total of 1,120 students, selected through 15 regional competitions, took part in the Olympiad, the biggest mathematical competition in the country, under four groups -- primary (class III-V), junior (class VI-VIII), secondary (class IX-X and SSC examinees) and higher secondary (class XI-XII and HSC examinees).

Of them, six will be selected for the upcoming 58th International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), to be held in Rio de Janeiro of Brazil from July 12-23.

Brother Robi Theodore Purification, principal of St Joseph Higher Secondary School, inaugurated the two-day programme organised by Bangladesh Mathematical Olympiad Committee (BdMOC) and sponsored by Dutch-Bangla Bank Ltd and Bangla daily Prothom Alo.

Various cultural programmes were held on the occasion. The names of the winners will be announced today.

Addressing the programme, BdMOC President Prof Jamilur Reza Choudhury said the aim of the competition is to remove fear of mathematics in students and develop their skills.

Abdul Quayum, associate editor of Prothom Alo, Dr Munibur Rahman Chowdhury, vice-president of BdMOC, Prof Mohammad Kaykobad, member of BdMOC, Saidul Hasan, deputy managing director of Dutch Bangla Bank Ltd, psychiatrist Dr Mohit Kamal, and Munir Hasan, general secretary of BdMOC, were present.