Govt to make sports compulsory from class four

The government is set to make sports compulsory for students from class four onwards starting next academic year. The programme will initially begin with seven events, said Youth and Sports State Minister Aminul Haque.

He shared this information during a question-and-answer session at the National Parliament session on Sunday, March 29. The state minister said the government aims to reduce children's device addiction and get them onto the field by giving equal importance to sports alongside studies.

He further said seven events will be introduced initially, with more events to be added gradually to ensure students' physical and mental development.

During the same session, the state minister adopted a strict stance on factionalism in sports. He said in the past, sports including cricket boards suffered due to factional influence and political interference. Efforts are underway to depoliticise sports and move away from that situation.

A committee will soon be formed to investigate past appointments and corruption allegations at the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). If irregularities are found in appointments made since 2008, they will be examined and action taken.

The state minister also said there are allegations of financial and manpower abuse against some BCB officials. Those responsible will be brought under the law after investigation.

He said the government is working to establish sports as a profession and is now placing greater emphasis on creating athletes rather than just building infrastructure.