The Bangladesh Mathematical Olympiad (BdMO) committee has selected the whiz kids through a series of contests held across the country.

The BdMO organised a press conference in the city yesterday to introduce them to the press.

"I feel proud that our participants are going to take part in such an international contest for the first time. I wish them a grand success and hope they will do their best," said Prof Jamilur Reza Chowdhury, president of the committee.

Prof Dr Muhammad Zafar Iqbal of Shajalal University of Science and Technology said, "I am very excited that our brightest students are taking part in the International Mathematics Olympiad, the king of all competitions."

"Winning the first prize is not the main thing, but you must make your best effort," he told the young talents.

Motiur Rahman, editor of the daily Prothom Alo, also spoke at the press conference.

The six participants are Mahbubul Hasan Shanto of Rajshahi, Shariar Rauf Nafi, Tahmid Ul Islam Rafi and Sabrina Tabassum of Dhaka, Syed Mustafa Tahsin of Chittagong and Rafatul Faria of Dinajpur.

They were selected through four-stage competitions from more than 15,000 competitors.

BdMO Vice-President Prof Munibur Rahman Chowdhury of mathematics department of Dhaka University and BdMO General Secretary Munir Hasan will lead the team as leader and deputy leader respectively.

Prof Munibur Chowdhury left Dhaka for Mexico on Thursday to participate in the meetings of the International Jury Board of the 46th International Mathematics Olympiad, the organisers said.

Dutch-Bangla Bank and the daily Prothom Alo have sponsored the BdMO's programmes.

Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) Prof Dr Mohammad Kaikobad, Dutch-Bangla Bank Managing Director Yaseen Ali and Singer Mahmuduzzaman Babu were also present at the press conference.