Staff Correspondent
When the COVID-19 lockdown confined children to their homes in 2020, young Muhammed Saifan Ali, then a Class 4 student at Premier School Dhaka, found himself increasingly fascinated by mathematics and science.
His father, Muhammed Shoeb Ali, an engineer working from home, first noticed Saifan’s unusual interest while discussing geography with him. Saifan became particularly fascinated by the mathematical aspects of the discussion and soon began exploring trigonometry and its applications to real-world problems.
His interest in mathematics led him to participate in the online Mathematics Olympiad. Although he cleared the preliminary round in his first attempt, he could not qualify for the national round. The following year, however, he reached the national level.
Soon, his attention shifted to physics. After his father introduced him to physics problems, Saifan quickly grasped the concepts and developed a strong interest in the subject. In his first Bangladesh Physics Olympiad, he finished fourth nationally. He subsequently became a regular top performer, securing second place nationally in 2025.
His achievements extended beyond the Physics Olympiad. In 2022, while in Class 8, Saifan became champion in the national round of the Al-Arafah Islami Bank 8th Junior Science Olympiad.
He also represented Bangladesh at the Asian Physics Olympiad in Mongolia in 2023 and in Malaysia a year later. In 2023, despite sitting for school examinations at the same time, his school supported his participation. He completed two examinations before travelling to Mongolia and resumed the remaining exams after returning.
After completing his O Level examinations in 2025, Saifan took on another demanding challenge, completing his A Level examinations within roughly four months. He successfully completed the programme, demonstrating exceptional learning ability and time management.
Fayez Ahmed Jahangir Masud, Founder General Secretary and Team Leader of the Bangladesh Physics Olympiad Committee, said Saifan had made a valuable contribution to Bangladesh’s national team.
He noted that Bangladeshi students have competed against around 95 countries and have so far won one silver medal, two bronze medals and one honourable mention at the international level.
“Winning a medal there is not easy,” Jahangir Sir said, adding that Bangladesh could achieve gold in the future with greater government support.
Ruksana Jannat Snikdha, Chief Principal of Premier School Dhaka, described Saifan as an exceptionally gifted student.
She said the school had consistently supported his participation in national and international competitions, including providing academic assistance whenever necessary.
“When a child can present himself successfully on an international platform, ultimately the school is represented there as well,” she said. “We are very proud of him.”
