BNP will make sports mandatory in school curriculum if elected: Tarique Rahman

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has announced that if the party comes to power, it will make sports a mandatory part of the school curriculum to encourage physical activity among students and reduce their dependence on digital devices.

Speaking at the award ceremony of the 2024 Cricket Tournament organized by the Arafat Rahman Koko Memorial Foundation in London on Sunday, Tarique emphasized the need to integrate physical education into mainstream education.

He pledged that under a BNP government, green playing fields will be developed in every two wards out of 100 in Dhaka, modeled after public parks in London. These spaces will serve as recreational grounds for children and walking areas for adults.

Tarique expressed admiration for London's large green spaces and fitness facilities, while lamenting the lack of similar infrastructure in Bangladesh.

He stressed the importance of government financial support for athletes, starting from their training period, especially those representing Bangladesh on international platforms.

“This is the time to build the nation after a long period of struggle and resistance against fascism,” he said, calling for unity among all political parties in the national interest. He underscored priorities like raising sports to international standards, ensuring public safety, creating employment opportunities, enforcing the rule of law, and guaranteeing healthcare for all.

Tarique also revealed plans to enhance the effectiveness of the country’s four BKSPs ( Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan) to identify and nurture sports talent from across the nation.