About Us

The Bangladesh Economics Olympiad (BDEO) is a nationally recognized competition designed to foster economic understanding, financial literacy, and problem-solving skills among school and college students in Bangladesh. It serves as a platform to identify and nurture talented young minds in economics, ultimately preparing them to represent the country on the international stage at events such as the International Economics Olympiad (IEO).

Historical Growth and Development

Since its inception, the BDEO has experienced remarkable growth. Initially engaging around 200 participants, the competition has expanded its reach to include nearly 10,000 contestants nationwide. This rapid increase reflects a growing national emphasis on economic education and financial literacy, which are increasingly recognized as vital for both individual success and broader economic development. The evolution of the competition into a large-scale, well-organized event underscores Bangladesh’s commitment to enhancing its human capital in the field of economics.

Structure and Selection Process

The competition is methodically structured in multiple stages:

• Initial Selection: Open to students from various educational institutions, this round tests basic economic knowledge and analytical abilities.

• National Camp: Selected participants undergo intensive training that emphasizes both theoretical concepts and practical applications, including business case studies and economic problem-solving.

• Final Selection: After several rounds of rigorous evaluation—often involving written tests and oral examinations—the top candidates are chosen to represent Bangladesh at the IEO.

This tiered approach ensures that the most capable and well-prepared students are given the opportunity to compete internationally, thereby raising the overall standard of economic education within the country.

Overcoming Challenges

The BDEO has also demonstrated notable resilience in the face of adversity. In 2024, for instance, the national team encountered significant challenges due to political unrest, which led to disruptions like a nationwide lockdown and even an internet blackout just days before an international event. Despite these obstacles, the organizers—led by dedicated figures such as Mohammad Al Amin Parvez—managed to navigate logistical hurdles, secure last-minute travel documentation, and ensure that the team could still participate in the IEO 2024 in Hong Kong. This episode highlighted not only the determination of the organizers and participants but also the broader commitment to continuing educational pursuits amid challenging circumstances.

International Collaboration and Achievements

The BDEO functions as a key national partner to the International Economics Olympiad. This collaboration enables Bangladeshi students to engage with a global community of aspiring economists and to test their skills against international benchmarks. Notably, at the IEO 2024 in Hong Kong, a standout achievement was recorded when Bangladeshi prodigy Kazi Rafsan Mahboob earned a Bronze medal. Such accomplishments serve to validate the quality of training provided through the BDEO and inspire future participants to aim high in their academic and professional pursuits.

Strategic Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, the organizers are actively seeking to enhance the impact of the BDEO by:

• Strengthening Government Partnerships: By aligning the competition’s goals with national development strategies, there is a growing push to integrate economic and financial literacy into the broader educational curriculum.

• Expanding Sponsorships and Outreach: Recognizing that previous sponsorships primarily offered branding opportunities, efforts are underway to secure partnerships that offer both financial and educational support, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Olympiad.

• Innovating the Training Process: Continuous improvements in the selection and training processes aim to further enhance the preparedness of students for international competition.

These strategic moves are intended not only to boost the profile of the BDEO but also to ensure that economic education becomes an integral part of the academic framework in Bangladesh, thereby empowering future generations with essential knowledge and skills.