The government has begun implementing an ambitious plan to revolutionise sports and promote physical activity across Bangladesh, aiming to develop grassroots talent and steer young people away from crime and social decay.
Under the initiative, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has identified suitable land for one modern central sports ground in each of the country’s 4,499 unions. The Ministry of Public Administration has also created 882 new posts to establish sports offices across 294 upazilas, while plans are underway to build international-standard sports villages in every division.
The programme is intended to provide young people with structured opportunities for recreation, promoting physical and mental development and saving them from risks associated with mobile phone addiction, drug use, juvenile delinquency, and violence.
“There is no substitute for adequate playing fields in the overall development of sport,” said State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque. “A high-level committee, chaired by the Prime Minister himself, has been established to oversee the construction, renovation, and maintenance of sports facilities. Each MP has been asked to identify at least eight bighas of land in their constituencies for union-level grounds.”
Union grounds
The Ministry of Youth and Sports has begun mapping land for new or upgraded central sports grounds. Multi-purpose facilities will include football, cricket, volleyball, kabaddi, and other sports, along with boundary walls, drainage systems, seating for spectators, and long-term maintenance overseen by local committees.
Deputy commissioners and upazila nirbahi officers are responsible for submitting proposals for land renovation or new construction, with local representatives actively participating in the process.
Government instructions explicitly prohibit the use of agricultural land for new grounds. Priority will be given to centrally located areas, government khas land, or land near growth centres.
Upazila sports offices
To strengthen sports administration, the government has approved 882 posts to establish sports offices in 294 upazilas. Each office will have one upazila sports officer, one assistant cum computer typist, and one office assistant. Previously, 603 posts had been created for 201 upazilas with mini stadiums.
Once implemented, every upazila in Bangladesh will have a dedicated sports office, subject to approval from the Ministry of Finance, scale vetting, and necessary recruitment regulations.
International-standard sports villages
The government plans to establish sports villages of international standard in all eight divisions, as well as in Faridpur and Comilla. Facilities will include modern indoor stadiums, swimming pools, archery and shooting ranges, football pitches, athletics tracks, and other international-level training and competition infrastructure. Officials say the villages will reduce reliance on overseas training for Bangladeshi athletes.
Identifying talent and building a healthy society
The upazila-level offices and union grounds will make it easier to spot talented athletes from rural areas, integrating them into BKSP, divisional sports academies, and national training programmes, sports experts say.
The government has already launched the “Natun Kuri Sports” programme to support the physical and mental development of children and adolescents.
“Union-level grounds, upazila offices, sports villages, and regular grassroots competitions will bring qualitative change to Bangladesh’s sports system,” said Aminul Haque.
“New talent will emerge from villages, female participation will increase, local clubs will become more active, and government support will reach the field level faster. These initiatives not only develop athletes but also play a crucial role in keeping young people away from drugs, crime, and social decay.”
