North South University vs United International University
North South University’s (NSU) team Vini Vedi Vici has emerged as the champion of ECONTHON 2026, a national inter-university economics competition aimed at developing students’ analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, economic reasoning and capacity to address real-world challenges.
The grand finale was held Saturday afternoon at the campus of United International University (UIU). The competition was organized by the Junior Economists Forum (JEF) in collaboration with the Department of Economics at UIU.
Vini Vedi Vici secured the championship and received a prize of Tk 100,000. The Shield team from the University of Dhaka became the first runner-up, receiving Tk 75,000, while UIU’s Dhaka 99 team finished as second runner-up and received Tk 50,000. A team from Southeast University won the People’s Choice Award. Other award-winning teams received Tk 20,000 each, bringing the total prize money to Tk 265,000.
A total of 224 teams from universities across Bangladesh registered for the competition, while 58 teams advanced to the final stages. The competition was designed to encourage students to apply economic concepts beyond textbooks and classrooms while strengthening their ability to analyze problems, adapt to changing circumstances, and develop evidence-based solutions.
Speaking as the chief guest Finance and Planning minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said ECONTHON provides an effective platform for students to develop analytical and problem-solving skills beyond the classroom. He encouraged young people to develop innovative approaches to the country’s economic challenges.
He emphasized that a policy cannot be judged solely by how good it looks on paper. Policymakers must also consider whether it is feasible to implement, how much it will cost, who will benefit, and who will ultimately bear the cost. He urged students to develop policies and ideas based on reliable information, evidence, and practical considerations.
Hasan Mahmood Raja chairman of the UIU board of trustees and chief advisor of United Group said education should extend beyond textbooks and classrooms. He noted that competitions such as ECONTHON enable students to apply their knowledge, think critically, and develop innovative solutions to real-life economic challenges.
Md. Abul Kashem Mia vice chancellor of UIU said ECONTHON 2026 reflects the university’s commitment to fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical skills among students.
The grand finale was presided over by Md. Abul Kashem Mia and moderated by Mohammad Omar Farooq head of the department of Economics at UIU.
Teachers, university officials, economists, students, competitors and guests from various universities attended the event, which brought together Bangladesh’s young economic minds to turn academic knowledge into ideas with potential real-world impact.
