Bangladesh at the 1984 Summer Olympics

The Bangladesh Olympic Association was recognized by the International Olympic Committee on 1 January 1980.[1] The nation joined the United States-led boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympics,[2] and therefore did not make their first Olympic appearance until these Los Angeles Games.[3] The 1984 Summer Olympics were held in Los Angeles from 28 July to 12 August 1984; a total of 6,829 athletes representing 140 National Olympic Committees took part.[4] Saidur Rahman Dawn was the only competitor sent by Bangladesh to Los Angeles,[5] and he was the flagbearer for the opening ceremony.[3]

Saidur Rahman Dawn was 21 years old at the time of the Los Angeles Olympics, and was making his only Olympic appearance.[6] On 3 August, he took part in the heats of the 100 metres race, where he was drawn into eight, which he finished in 11.25 seconds, in eighth and last place for his heat.[7] Only the top three in each heat and the next seven fastest from all heats could advance, and Dawn was eliminated.[7] The gold medal was eventually won by Carl Lewis of the United States, the silver belonged to fellow American Sam Graddy, and the bronze was won by Canadian Ben Johnson.[8] Three days later Dawn took part in the heats of the 200 metres. He was drawn into heat 1, and finished in a time of 22.59 seconds; seventh and last among those who finished his heat.[9] This time, only the top three from a heat and the next two fastest overall could advance, and Dawn's competition came to an end.[9] Americans eventually swept the podium, with Lewis winning the gold medal, Kirk Baptiste the silver, and Thomas Jefferson the bronze.[10]