Dhaka: State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque today announced that the government plans to make sports compulsory for students starting from Class IV in the next academic year. This initiative is part of the ruling party's election manifesto, aiming to integrate sports into the education system.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the state minister revealed this plan in response to a question from Zahidul Islam, a Member of Parliament elected from Chattogram-16. The programme will initially include seven sporting events, with intentions to gradually expand the range of sports disciplines offered to students.
Aminul Haque highlighted the government's goal to place equal emphasis on sports and academic studies to promote the overall development of students. He stressed that this initiative is designed to reduce children's reliance on digital devices and to foster increased participation in physical activities.
The state minister expressed optimism that making sports a compulsory part of the curriculum would positively affect students' physical and mental health, contributing to a well-rounded educational experience.