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CHATTOGRAM, Jan 17, 2026 (BSS) - Chattogram City Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain today said the formation of a strong and effective city government is essential to transform the city into a full-fledged commercial capital, which is crucial for the country's overall economic development.
He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the Chattogram regional round of the Bangladesh Economics Olympiad 2026, held at the auditorium of Chattogram College.
The mayor said a city government would ensure proper coordination among various service-providing agencies, enabling development benefits to reach citizens quickly and conveniently.
More than 300 students from different educational institutions participated in the competition, showcasing their analytical skills and understanding of economics.
The event was presided over by Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Economics Olympiad and former adviser to the caretaker government. Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, Additional Secretary and Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner of the Government of Bangladesh, inaugurated the programme.
Chittagong University Vice-Chancellor Dr Mohammad Yahya Akhtar addressed the event as the main speaker, while Mohammad Ali, Managing Director and CEO of Pubali Bank PLC, attended as the keynote speaker.
Professor Mohammad Mozahidul Islam Chowdhury, Principal of Chattogram College, filmmaker Said Khan Sagar, and Kayes Chowdhury, Chattogram Regional Head of BRAC Bank, spoke as special guests.
Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain described the Olympiad, themed "Education of Economics - Initiation of Nation Building," as a timely and relevant initiative.
"Today's students are the future policymakers, entrepreneurs and economists. Such events play a vital role in enhancing their economic reasoning and analytical abilities," he said.
He added that while there is a shared aspiration to see Chattogram emerge as a commercial capital, achieving this goal requires fulfilling key structural and institutional prerequisites, foremost among them being a strong and efficient city government.
Dr Mohammad Yahya Akhtar said the organizers had shown that academic initiatives could be effectively arranged for young people, adding that the Olympiad would further inspire students to gain knowledge and contribute to national progress.
Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman noted that interest in the Economics Olympiad is growing across the country. He said economics has both theoretical and practical dimensions, and one of the main objectives of the Olympiad is to equip citizens with practical economic knowledge.
He added that the enthusiasm of participating students reflected their growing interest in economics and financial literacy, and many students said the Olympiad had encouraged them to think about the real-life application of economic concepts.
