The government of Bangladesh plans to make sports a compulsory part of the school curriculum starting from the fourth grade in all schools, State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque announced on Sunday.
Responding to a question raised by Zahidul Islam, MP, from Chattogram-16 constituency, during a parliamentary session, the state minister said the decision aligns with the ruling party’s election manifesto and reflects the government’s commitment to the holistic development of students.
“The programme will initially include seven sporting events, covering both team and individual disciplines. Over time, more sports will be added to broaden students’ exposure and opportunities,” he added.
The state minister emphasised that the initiative aims to balance academic learning with physical education, promoting both mental and physical well-being. By encouraging children to spend more time on the field, the government hopes to reduce excessive dependence on digital devices, which has been a growing concern among parents and educators.
“This initiative will not only enhance students’ physical fitness but also teach them teamwork, discipline and leadership skills from a young age,” the state minister noted.
He expressed confidence that the new programme would positively influence the overall development of students and cultivate a healthier, more active generation.
Aminul Haque also mentioned that the Ministry of Youth and Sports will work closely with the Education Ministry to ensure the smooth implementation of the programme across schools nationwide. Teachers and school administrators will receive guidance and training to incorporate sports effectively into daily academic schedules.
