Celebrating the Future of Environmental Leadership in Bangladesh
The National Earth Olympiad (NEO) 2025 Award Ceremony, a flagship event organized by the Bangladesh Youth Environmental Initiative (BYEI), took place recently at the residence of French Ambassador to Bangladesh, Marie Masdupuy, in Gulshan, Dhaka. The ceremony served as a platform to honor the next generation of environmental leaders in the country.
Held on Saturday, July 5, the gathering attracted a wide array of participants, including students, educators, academics, policymakers, diplomats, NGO and civil society organization leaders, civil servants, and professionals from corporate and development sectors. The event highlighted the importance of youth involvement in addressing climate and ecological challenges facing Bangladesh.
In her opening remarks, Ambassador Masdupuy praised BYEI for its sustained efforts in promoting youth-led climate advocacy. She extended her appreciation to both organizers and participating students for their unwavering dedication to advancing environmental education. Emphasizing the need for stronger political commitment, she advocated for a more strategic approach to tackling the pressing environmental issues confronting the nation.
Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, a Standing Committee Member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Reflecting on his long-standing engagement with environmental movements in Bangladesh, Dr. Moyeen underscored that achieving environmental justice necessitates active political involvement.
“Without political engagement, the path to climate and ecological justice remains incomplete,” he stated, urging for localized and politically informed strategies in environmental advocacy.
Among other prominent attendees were BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Adviser to the BNP Acting Chairman Dr. Mahdi Amin, and academician-politician Bobby Hajjaj, all of whom expressed their support for the youth-led movement.
The event also featured the presence of Vice Chancellors from North South University, Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), and Southeast University, along with senior academicians and development professionals, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of the initiative.
This year’s Olympiad began with over 1,500 participants in the preliminary round, with approximately 1,000 advancing to the divisional stage. Around 750 students qualified for the national-level examination. Following a rigorous selection process that included Green Day Training workshops and the Bangladesh Team Selection Test, four outstanding students were chosen to represent Bangladesh at the upcoming International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO) 2025 in China.
The selected team members are:
- Mohammad Tahmid Rahman – Champion
- Omar Bin Arif – 1st Runner-up
- Sheikh Fahim Mahmud – 2nd Runner-up
- Faaris Ahmed Aayan – 3rd Runner-up
Their selection continues Bangladesh’s impressive track record at the international level, where previous participants have earned 4 Gold, 4 Silver, and 17 Bronze medals.
In his concluding address, Shamir Shehab, Founder and Executive Director of BYEI, shared insights into the organization’s journey since its inception. He commended the collective efforts of students, volunteers, and mentors who have contributed to building a nationwide youth movement focused on environmental justice.
The NEO 2025 Award Ceremony concluded on a high note, celebrating not only academic excellence but also the passion and determination of Bangladesh’s young earth scientists and climate advocates.
Since its founding in 2009, BYEI has been instrumental in fostering environmental awareness and education among Bangladeshi youth. Through its flagship program, the National Earth Olympiad, BYEI aims to engage students in the study of Earth and environmental sciences, preparing them to confront the environmental challenges of tomorrow.
