Dhaka: After one year under the leadership of the interim government headed by Nobel laureate Prof. Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s sports sector has found its rhythm once again. The past year has witnessed significant changes, both in terms of governance and infrastructure, which have had a positive impact on the country’s sporting landscape.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, under the interim administration, significant measures have been taken to rid the sports arena of corruption, which includes innovative approaches and fostering a spirit of adventure. Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan’s strategic leadership has played a crucial role in the transformation of the sports sector, driving progress and change.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports has overseen substantial infrastructural developments, aimed at elevating Bangladesh’s sports to new heights. One of the most notable successes has been the launch of the Festival of Youth 2025, an initiative designed to foster unity, cooperation,
and self-reliance among the nation’s youth. The festival, which began on December 30 last year under the theme “Esho Desh Bodlai, Prithibi Bodlai” (Let’s Change the Country and Change the World), has been extended through December 31, 2025.
According to the Youth and Sports ministry, at least 2.74 million women and young girls took part in 2,931 sports events and cultural activities across the country. Of the total, at least 855 were football matches and these games were held in some of the remotest parts of the country. This unprecedented participation marks a significant milestone in the history of Bangladesh’s sports.
The interim government and local authorities in more than 500 rural sub-district towns organized the women’s sporting events with much fanfare. Hundreds of thousands of spectators watched these matches in a festive atmosphere, demonstrating strong support for women’s rights in Bangladeshi society in 2025.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports has also made massive infrastructural developments i
n the last year to propel the country’s sports forward. According to the National Sports Council (NSC), these developments included the upgrade of national and district-level facilities, including stadiums and sports complexes, to international standards.
Talking to BSS, National Sports Council Secretary Aminul Islam elaborated on the progress made, citing the dissolution of existing committees and the formation of ad-hoc committees across various sports federations and associations. This restructuring aims to streamline operations and promote active participation in the Festival of Youth.
The NSC secretary emphasized the priority of establishing sports hubs in eight divisions across the country, with initial funding consent from the United Arab Emirates. These hubs aim to prepare international players and organize sports competitions, thereby promoting Bangladesh’s sports on the global stage.
Following the fall of the previous government, a search committee was formed to propose necessary reforms for mana
ging sports organizations effectively. Former national badminton champion Jobaydur Rahman Rana is among the key figures in this committee tasked with revitalizing the country’s sports federations.
In a notable achievement, the Bangladesh women’s football team qualified for the Asian Cup final stage and won back-to-back SAFF championship crowns, marking significant successes during the current government’s tenure.