Chattogram chapter of Bangladesh Economics Olympiad set for tomorrow

The Chattogram Division chapter of the Bangladesh Economics Olympiad (BDEO) will be held tomorrow (30 May) at the premises of Chattogram Government College.

This year's event is being organised with the theme "Economics Education: Initiation for Nation Building."

Organised for the first time in Chattogram by the Bangladesh Economics Olympiad Foundation, the preliminary round of the olympiad saw the participation of around 5,000 students from schools, colleges, and universities across the division. The preliminary online round took place on 17 May, after which 500 students were selected to advance to the divisional national phase. The Olympiad will begin at 8:00am tomorrow (30 May), followed by a guest session at 10:20am.

According to a press release signed by BDEO Chattogram Coordinator Kazi Sadarullah (Rakib), the top 50 performers from this round will be invited to a week-long National Camp. There, they will undergo intensive subject-based training and business case-solving sessions. From this group, top five finalists will be selected to represent Bangladesh at the International Economics Olympiad (IEO) 2025, scheduled to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Farooq-e-Azam, adviser to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs and Disaster Management and Relief, will attend the event as chief guest Mayor of Chattogram City Corporation Dr Shahadat Hossain will serve as the keynote speaker., Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mizanur Rahman and Deputy Commissioner of Chattogram Farida Khanam will also be present as special guests.

The olympiad will be presided over by Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman, former adviser to the caretaker government and current chairman of the Bangladesh Economics Olympiad. Prominent economists and policymakers from across the country are expected to attend the event.

In the last six editions, Bangladeshi students have earned multiple silver and bronze medals at the international level.

Since its inception in 2019, the BDEO has aimed to promote economic literacy and leadership among Bangladeshi youth. Through various competitions and training programs, it has already engaged and empowered more than 2.5 million students nationwide.

"BDEO is not just a competition; it is a movement through which we aim to instill economic awareness, responsible decision-making, and leadership skills in our youth," said Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman.

The title sponsor for this year's Olympiad is City Bank, with Dhaka Bank and Pubali Bank also supporting the event. Walton will provide smartphones and laptops as prizes for the winners.