Dhaka: State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque announced that the government is in the process of rebuilding Bangladesh’s sports structure from the grassroots to the national level, aimed at keeping young people engaged in regular physical activities alongside their academic pursuits.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Aminul Haque emphasized the introduction of a structured athlete development pathway, which will span from union levels to upazila, district, divisional, and ultimately national levels. This pathway is designed to ensure that children and youth remain involved in sports throughout an extended period each year. The minister made these comments while serving as the chief guest at the 78th founding anniversary (Engineers Day) of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) held at the Engineers Recreation Centre (ERC) auditorium in Dhaka.
The event, which included a seminar titled ‘Healthy Aging’ and an award ceremony for the Sports Tournament-2026, was presided over by Engineer Khan Ataur Rahman Santu and moderated by Engineer Md Abdul Majid. Special guests included Engineer Mohammad Riazul Islam (Rizu), Prof Dr Engineer Md Sabbir Mostafa Khan, and Engineer AKM Shoaib Bashari Hablu.
Aminul Haque noted that the sports calendar has advanced through upazila, district, and divisional stages, with the national phase anticipated to commence post-Eid. The upcoming sports season is planned to begin in September and extend until March or April, ensuring six months of sports engagement for children and young athletes annually.
The minister revealed that under the new framework, eight sporting disciplines have become mandatory, with volleyball and table tennis expected to be included next season, increasing the total to ten. Moreover, athletes demonstrating exceptional talent in competitions will receive government support, including educational and professional sports training at divisional-level BKSPIs and the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishthan (BKSP) in Dhaka.
Aminul Haque highlighted the health benefits of sports, pointing out how earlier generations maintained physical activity through regular outdoor play. He stated, “If children regularly go to playgrounds, they are less likely to become ill and will lead healthier lives.” In relation to healthy aging, the state minister underscored the significance of walking, physical exercise, and sports in preserving physical and mental health.
The state minister also mentioned the planning of newly developed playgrounds across the country that will include walking tracks, promoting healthier environments for all age groups. He commended IEB’s initiative, noting the crucial role engineers play in infrastructure development and the importance of maintaining physical and mental health for a productive professional life.
Special guest Engineer Mohammad Riazul Islam (Rizu) spoke about IEB’s role as a unifying platform for engineers over the past 78 years and stressed the promotion of healthy aging among engineers to ensure lifelong productivity. Prof Md Sabbir Mostafa Khan addressed the neglect of physical exercise among engineers in technology-driven sectors due to demanding work schedules, advocating for regular fitness, health check-ups, and mental well-being. Engineer AKM Shoaib Bashari Hablu highlighted the necessity of personal well-being alongside professional success, noting the positive impact of sports and health awareness on engineers’ long-term productivity.
SM Monjurul Islam Chowdhury presented the keynote paper at the seminar, emphasizing the scientific importance of maintaining physical and mental balance, proper nutrition, and regular exercise with age. In his presidential remarks, Engineer Khan Ataur Rahman Santu reiterated IEB’s commitment to contributing to a healthier and more prosperous Bangladesh on its 78th founding anniversary, ensuring engineers remain physically fit and capable of contributing to national development.
The programme concluded with the distribution of trophies and awards to winners of various events under Sports Tournament-2026, attended by senior IEB officials, ERC Dhaka members, and numerous engineers.