Green Energy Olympiad 2026 begins in Dhaka, highlighting youth engagement, renewable energy awareness, and practical learning, while experts warn of significant BPDB financial losses despite continued government subsidies ongoing challenges.
The two-day Green Energy Olympiad 2026 Grand Finale opened in Dhaka on Wednesday, bringing together top students and energy experts to promote practical knowledge and youth engagement in Bangladesh’s energy transition.
The event, held at the CIRDAP Auditorium, was inaugurated by Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, who said young people must move beyond theoretical learning to address pressing energy and environmental challenges.
“Textbook knowledge alone is insufficient to tackle today’s energy and environmental challenges. Our young generation must acquire practical, hands-on and multidimensional knowledge to play an active role in Bangladesh’s energy transition,” he said.
The Olympiad aims to equip youth with environmental awareness, renewable energy knowledge and practical skills needed for a sustainable future.
In his welcome address, Hasan Mehedi, chief executive of the Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network (CLEAN), highlighted the importance of youth participation and outlined the financial challenges facing the power sector.
“From FY 2007–08 to 2024–25, the Bangladesh Power Development Board has incurred a total loss of approximately BDT 2,67,784 crore (USD 26.75 billion). During this period, the interim government provided subsidies of about BDT 1,77,387 crore (USD 18.8 billion) to partially cover the operational deficit. Even after subsidies, BPDB’s net loss remains around BDT 90,397 crore (USD 7.95 billion),” he said.
Special guests at the ceremony included Ashanur Rahman, chief economist and country business manager at City Bank, Selim Ullah Khan, deputy director at Power Cell, Abu Hena Mostafa Kamal, CEO of Direct Renewable Energy Ltd., Tanzina Dilshad, program manager at the European Union Delegation to Bangladesh and Zahidul Alam, senior vice president of the Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association.
Speakers stressed the urgency of expanding renewable energy, strengthening climate awareness and ensuring active youth involvement to secure a greener future. They said students with practical experience, technical skills and critical thinking abilities can drive positive change in the energy sector.
The session was presided over by Professor Dr Kazi Maruful Islam of the Department of Development Studies at the University of Dhaka, who described the Olympiad as more than a competition.
He said it provides a platform for students to gain knowledge, develop innovative thinking and build practical experience.
Launched in 2025, the Green Energy Olympiad drew participation from more than 150 colleges and universities and over 4,900 students in its first edition, alongside voluntary support from advisors, government officials and civil society representatives.
This year, participation expanded to around 5,000 students from 147 public and private institutions. After three selection rounds, the top 50 finalists advanced to the Grand Finale in Dhaka.
The 2026 edition is organized by CLEAN and the Bangladesh Working Group on Ecology and Development, with co-organizers including ActionAid Bangladesh, Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association, Centre for Policy Dialogue, Center for Renewable Energy Services Ltd., Lawyers for Energy, Environment and Development, Reglobal, JETNET Bangladesh, Manusher Jonno Foundation, Transparency International Bangladesh and more than 30 other development organizations.
