BYEI held the 13th National Earth Olympiad divisional rounds in Chattogram and Cumilla, engaging students in E-STEM and fostering future environmental leaders through hands-on, in-person participation.
The Bangladesh Youth Environmental Initiative successfully held the divisional round of the 13th National Earth Olympiad on April 10, 2026 in Chattogram, the second-largest city in Bangladesh and Cumilla, a metropolis on the banks of the Gumti River in eastern Bangladesh, organisers said.
The Chattogram round took place at Leaders’ School and College while the Cumilla event was hosted by Ibn Taimiya School and College.
Organisers said the in-person format revived the vibrant and festive atmosphere that the Olympiad is known for.
This year’s theme, “Reimagining Science for Restoration of our Planetary Ecosystem”, encouraged students to apply E-STEM, or Environmental Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, to address environmental challenges and explore solutions for restoring the planet.
The initiative will continue organising divisional rounds throughout April across all eight divisions of Bangladesh along with the Cumilla region.
Launched in 2012, the National Earth Olympiad is described as the country’s first and only initiative of its kind, aimed at engaging secondary and higher secondary students in earth and environmental sciences. The programme focuses on transforming students’ interest into practical learning and real-world action while nurturing future environmental leaders and problem-solvers.
Top performers earn the opportunity to represent Bangladesh at the International Earth Science Olympiad. Bangladesh has so far secured five gold, six silver and 26 bronze medals at the global competition.
Organisers said many alumni of the Olympiad have gone on to pursue higher studies and careers in earth and environmental sciences at leading universities and research institutions worldwide, contributing both nationally and internationally.
This year’s event is supported by the E-STEM Awards and the North American Association for Environmental Education, with the Geological Society of Bangladesh serving as co-organiser and Kishor Alo as media partner.
Academic support is being provided by the Department of Geology at the University of Dhaka and the Department of Environmental Science and Management at Independent University, Bangladesh.
Founded in 2009, the Bangladesh Youth Environmental Initiative promotes environmental awareness and education among young people in the country and aims to prepare the next generation to become effective environmental leaders.
