Bangladesh Economics Olympiad in Ctg highlights need for city govt

The regional round of the Bangladesh Economics Olympiad 2026 concluded in Chattogram yesterday (17 January), drawing more than 300 students and sparking discussions on how the port city could be better governed to realise its economic potential.

Speaking at Chattogram College auditorium, Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain argued that establishing a city government is essential for Chattogram to function as Bangladesh's true commercial capital. "Chattogram has seen development, but it has been uncoordinated. Service-providing agencies do not operate under a single authority, making integrated planning almost impossible," he said, stressing that a city government would enable coordinated decision-making and faster implementation of projects.

The day-long Olympiad, themed "Learning Economics to Build the Nation," saw students compete across junior, intermediate and advanced categories, demonstrating analytical and problem-solving skills. Winners received Tk10,000 and medals, while regional campus ambassadors and local partners were also recognised.

Former adviser to the caretaker government and Olympiad chairman Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman presided over the event, with Chattogram University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Yahya Akhtar attending as a key speaker. Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mohammad Mizanur Rahman inaugurated the programme.

Mayor Dr Shahadat highlighted that Bangladesh's economy needs to diversify beyond agriculture, garments, and remittances. He pointed to untapped opportunities in tourism, carbon-based industries, pharmaceuticals, microchips, and technology-driven manufacturing, adding that such potential cannot be realised without integrated urban management. Drawing comparisons with cities like London and Toronto, he said strong city governments facilitate coordinated service delivery, planned growth, and economic competitiveness.

Prof Yahya Akhtar praised the Olympiad for turning economics into an engaging and competitive platform, encouraging critical thinking among students. Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman said the growing interest in the Olympiad reflects rising awareness of applied economics across the country.

Pubali Bank MD and CEO Mohammad Ali highlighted the role of digital finance in shaping future economies, stressing that understanding practical economics is crucial for young people to stay relevant in a technology-driven world.

Bangladesh Economics Olympiad President Md Al-Amin Parvez noted that teams selected through the Olympiad won four medals at the International Economics Olympiad in 2025, underlining the initiative's growing global significance. Kazi Rakib, director of the Centre for Youth Initiative, which coordinated the Chattogram round, said there are plans to expand the programme across the entire division in coming years.

Students attending the event said the Olympiad helped them move beyond textbook learning to better understand real-world economic issues, signalling a shift towards practical economic thinking among the next generation.