PHOTO: HSBC

STAR BUSINESS DESK

Team Six Seven of the Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) emerged champion at the Business Case Competition 2026, jointly organised by HSBC and BRAC University, held at the university’s multipurpose hall in Dhaka yesterday.

The champion received the trophy along with prize money worth Tk 2 lakh. The team will now represent Bangladesh at the global finale in Hong Kong, competing against top teams from across the region, according to a press release.

Team Arctic Wolves from North South University (NSU) and Team Rotten Mars from BUP secured the first and second runner-up positions, respectively.

The first runner-up received a trophy and Tk 1 lakh, while the second runner-up received a trophy and Tk 50,000.

Sarah Cooke, British high commissioner to Bangladesh, attended the final as the chief guest and distributed the prizes.

“Education is a cornerstone of the UK-Bangladesh partnership. Strong educational links and collaboration between academia and industry will help build the skilled workforce Bangladesh needs for the future,” she said.

“It is highly encouraging to see the remarkable talent and ambition demonstrated by students in Bangladesh, who are well-positioned to contribute meaningfully on the global stage.”

Mahmud Hasan Khan, president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, attended as a special guest and said such competitions are essential in preparing the next generation of leaders for Bangladesh’s evolving economic landscape.

“As industries, particularly the readymade garment sector, continue to adapt to global demands, we need young minds who can think critically, innovate responsibly and deliver practical solutions. Platforms like this are instrumental in building future talent,” he added.

Md Mahbub ur Rahman, chief executive officer of HSBC Bangladesh, said the competition aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application.

The competition saw participation from more than 1,600 students from 46 universities across the country, making it one of the most competitive editions to date.

After several rounds, the top teams advanced to the finale, where they presented solutions to a real-world business case before a panel of judges.

The judges included Shamima Akhter of Unilever Bangladesh Limited, Husne Ara Shikha of Bangladesh Bank and Ziaur Rahman of H&M Bangladesh.

Among others, Prof Syed Ferhat Anwar, vice-chancellor of BRAC University, and Mohammad Mujibul Haque, dean of BRAC Business School, were also present.