British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke has met State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque in Dhaka to discuss cooperation in sports development and youth empowerment between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom.
The meeting, held at the ministry’s secretariat office on Tuesday, focused on improving standards in women’s sports, enhancing youth skills, and strengthening sports diplomacy between the two countries.
Welcoming the High Commissioner, Md Aminul Haque said sports diplomacy could help elevate bilateral relations. He said the government was placing strong emphasis on sports development under the leadership of the Prime Minister.
He also highlighted the recently launched ‘Notun Kuri Sports’ programme, which aims to identify sporting talent among boys and girls aged 12 to 14. Selected participants will receive advanced training at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishthan.
The state minister said the government was committed to using sports as a tool for social change and reducing inequality. He also called for technical support to help develop the country’s sports industry and improve coaching standards to international levels.
High Commissioner Sarah Cooke said the United Kingdom was ready to support the development of women’s sports in Bangladesh. She said the UK was interested in expanding cooperation through international platforms, including the Commonwealth Games.
She added that both countries could work together in disciplines such as swimming, boxing and martial arts. Cooke also stressed support for Paralympic sports, saying inclusivity should be strengthened across all levels of sporting activity.
