Dhaka:The government has announced a comprehensive plan to expand sports competitions and training programs at ward, union, and upazila levels to promote the physical and mental well-being of young people and deter their involvement in drug abuse and juvenile gangs.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque revealed the plan in response to a question from ruling party lawmaker Newaz Halima Arly during a session in the Jatiya Sangsad. The initiative involves the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Education, the Local Government Division, and various sports organizations to engage youths in positive social activities.
The 'Notun Kuri Sports' program has been launched as part of the initiative, targeting children aged 10 to 14 to compete in ten sports disciplines at the union level, including football, cricket, kabaddi, athletics, badminton, volleyball, table tennis, swimming, chess, and martial arts. The government is also in the process of recruiting 11,880 sports teachers across the country to bolster grassroots sports activities.
The recruitment, discussed in an inter-ministerial meeting with the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, aims to appoint three sports teachers for each of eight sporting disciplines in each of the 495 upazilas. This will create a total of 11,880 positions to support the initiative.
Regular sports competitions, training programs, and skills development activities are being organized in coordination with relevant ministries, local government institutions, and sports organizations. The Department of Youth Development is also conducting skill development training programs to engage young people in productive activities.
Aminul Haque also mentioned plans to establish a mini-stadium in every upazila and a playground in every union to enhance access to sports facilities. These efforts aim to nurture sporting talent from the grassroots and promote healthy lifestyles among the youth.