Bangladesh University of Business and Technology (BUBT) is set to host a nationwide economics competition aimed at strengthening financial literacy, analytical skills and policy awareness among college students as Bangladesh pursues its ambitions of becoming an upper-middle-income economy.

The BUBT Economics Olympiad 2026, scheduled for June 20 at the university's permanent campus in Dhaka, will bring together more than 250 students from over 100 colleges across the country, organizers said on Friday.

Described as the country's first large-scale inter-collegiate economics competition, the event will test participants on economic theory, financial literacy, data analysis, quantitative reasoning and contemporary global and domestic issues.

The competition will feature multiple rounds, including a written aptitude test, policy analysis exercises and a grand finale involving a rapid-fire financial quiz and panel interview before economists and academics.

Speaking ahead of the event, BUBT Vice-Chancellor Prof. A.B.M. Shawkat Ali said the initiative aims to equip young people with practical economic knowledge needed to address future development challenges.

The Olympiad will also feature a special session titled "National Budget Easy Learning," designed to help students better understand Bangladesh's budget process and fiscal policies.

Among the guests expected to attend are Dr. Mustafa K. Mujeri, executive director of the Institute for Inclusive Finance and Development (InM) and former chief economist of Bangladesh Bank, and Prof. Syed Masud Husain, dean of BUBT's Faculty of Business and Economics.

Winners will receive scholarships, trophies and mentorship opportunities, while the overall champion will be awarded a full tuition waiver for BUBT's economics programs and an internship opportunity with partner institutions.

Organizers said registration had closed after receiving an overwhelming response from students nationwide, reflecting growing interest in economics, public policy and data-driven decision-making among Bangladesh's youth.

—