The Grand Finale of ECONTHON 2026, the national inter-university economics competition organized by the Junior Economists Forum (JEF) of United International University (UIU) in collaboration with the Department of Economics, UIU, was held on October 3, 2026, at 3:00 PM at the UIU campus.
Mr. Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, MP, Minister, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Planning, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, attended the event as the Chief Guest. Mr. Hasan Mahmood Raja, Chairman, Board of Trustees, United International University and Chief Advisor, United Group, was present as the Guest of Honor. Mr. K. M. A. Shamim, Member of the Board of Trustees, United International University and Advisor, United Group, attended as a Special Guest. The program was presided over by Prof. Dr. Md. Abul Kashem Mia, Vice Chancellor, United International University. The program moderate by Prof. Dr. Mohammad Omar Farooq, Head Department of Economic, UIU.
With 224 teams registering from universities across Bangladesh, ECONTHON 2026 created a platform for university students to move beyond classroom learning and apply their knowledge to real-world economic challenges. The competition aimed to foster analytical thinking, problem-solving, adaptability, creativity, and economic reasoning among the participants.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Mr. Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, MP, said that students must learn to face challenges rather than avoid them, emphasizing that solutions begin with acknowledging problems. He highlighted the importance of strengthening macroeconomic stability and bringing inflation under control, simplifying and digitizing the tax system, ensuring good governance in the banking sector, creating a conducive environment for private investment, and maximizing the return from every taka spent on education, healthcare, and social protection.
He noted that achieving these goals would not happen in a single day, but emphasized the importance of remaining committed to them. He also urged the students to develop policies and ideas based on facts and evidence, noting that a policy may appear attractive on paper, but its feasibility, cost, beneficiaries, and the people who ultimately bear the burden must also be considered.
Drawing a connection with the competition itself, he observed that the judges at ECONTHON evaluated the feasibility of the participants’ ideas, while governments similarly face the challenge of assessing the practicality and impact of policies every day. He further noted that the objectives of ECONTHON are aligned with SDGs 8, 10, and 17, relating to decent work and economic growth, reduced inequalities, and partnerships for the goals.
Guest of Honor Mr. Hasan Mahmood Raja expressed his gratitude to the organizers, guests, faculty members, economists, and participants for making ECONTHON 2026 possible. He said that the event was not merely a competition but a platform connecting classroom learning with broader issues such as education and employment. He appreciated the Department of Economics and the organizers for creating an opportunity for students to learn, think, and innovate. Addressing the participants, he encouraged them to look beyond the classroom and focus on humanity, urging them to become compassionate, responsible, and socially conscious individuals. He encouraged the students to apply the knowledge they gain, value the friendships they build, and strive for excellence. He also expressed gratitude to the government and partners for their support in building a better future for the nation.
He expressed hope that ECONTHON would continue to serve as a meaningful platform for the students and contribute to the development of the nation, wishing all participants the very best.
Prof. Dr. Md. Abul Kashem Mia, Vice Chancellor, UIU, said that ECONTHON 2026 reflects UIU’s commitment to developing students’ critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and practical skills. He congratulated the participants and the Junior Economists Forum for successfully organizing the national competition.
ECONTHON 2026 featured a total prize pool of BDT 2,65,000. The team “Vini Vedi Vici” from North South University was crowned Grand Champion and received BDT 100,000. Team “Shield” from the University of Dhaka secured the 1st Runner-up position and received BDT 75,000, while team “Dhaka-99” from United International University secured the 2nd Runner-up position and received BDT 50,000. The People’s Choice Team from Southeast University and the other participating teams will receive BDT 20,000.
Faculty members, officials, participants, students, economists, and distinguished guests from various organizations and institutions attended the event.
The competition was powered by United Finance, with BRAC Bank as the Platinum Sponsor, United Insurance Company Limited as the Gold Sponsor, and Bonton Foods as the Bronze Sponsor.