Govt approves Tk 2.78 billion for youth self-defence training

The government has approved a new project worth 2.782 billion taka to enhance the self-defence skills of the country’s youth.

The three-year initiative, titled Basic Self-Defence Training for Youth, will be implemented by the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protisthan (BKSP). The project received final approval on October 13 following recommendations from the Planning Ministry’s Project Evaluation Committee. The programme, under the Ministry of Youth and Sports, will run until February 2028 and be fully funded by the government.

Under the project, 8,850 young men and women will receive basic self-defence training, including 8,250 men and 600 women. Training will take place at BKSP’s main campus in Savar and regional centres in Chattogram, Khulna, Barishal and Sylhet. Participants from Rajshahi and Mymensingh divisions will attend sessions in Dhaka or Dinajpur. Youth from all 64 districts are targeted.

1.651 billion taka is allocated for training activities, materials and participant support. Sports and training equipment will cost 708 million taka, furniture 217 million taka, dormitory renovation 6.722 million taka, machinery 4.043 million taka, and vehicle hire 4.245 million taka.

Officials say the project aims to boost confidence, discipline and resilience in youth while teaching self-defence techniques to prepare them for sudden or threatening situations.