Dhaka: Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed today called for a collective effort to address the pressing challenges facing the nation's economy. Speaking at the national finals of the Bangladesh Economics Olympiad 2025, held at Dhaka Residential Model College, Dr. Ahmed emphasized the need for unity in overcoming economic hurdles.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event was chaired by Hossain Zillur Rahman, Chairman of the organizing committee of the Bangladesh Economics Olympiad 2025 and a former adviser to the caretaker government. In his address, Rahman highlighted the importance of making economics an accessible and popular field of study from an early age, noting that this year's competition attracted 20,000 participants nationwide.
Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), pointed out the disparity in the country's economic growth. She noted that despite a 1% per decade increase in Bangladesh's growth rate, not everyone has reaped the benefits. Khatun expressed concerns about widening inequality, insufficient job creation, and rising youth unemployment, exacerbated by high inflation over the past two and a half years and politically driven economic policies.
Masrur Arefin, Managing Director of City Bank, delivered the keynote address, noting a significant reduction in corruption and irregularities within the banking sector over the past nine months. He mentioned a halt in money laundering activities as a major achievement but warned of escalating political unrest.
The seventh edition of the Bangladesh Economics Olympiad saw five national finalists selected from 20,000 competitors. These winners received smartphones and laptops and will represent Bangladesh at the upcoming International Economics Olympiad in Azerbaijan.