Bangladesh’s youth and sports state minister Aminul Haque has urged the country’s biggest corporate institutions to back national sport, outlining plans for infrastructure, talent development, and a future sports industry at a meeting in Dhaka on Wednesday.
Speaking at the National Sports Council conference room, Aminul Haque framed the issue bluntly. “If we want to lift our weaker federations and take talented athletes to the world stage, corporate Bangladesh must come forward,” he said.
The meeting brought together senior corporate representatives and policymakers, with the government laying out its long-term vision. The minister stressed that sport now sits high on the national priority list.
His message leaned heavily on partnership. “If government initiatives and corporate houses work together in cooperation, Bangladesh sport can reach new heights internationally,” he said, a claim that felt aspirational but firmly on trend.
Infrastructure formed the backbone of the plan. “Under our election manifesto, we are giving maximum importance to developing playing fields,” Aminul said, before outlining a bold urban idea.
“In Dhaka, we plan to acquire land between every two wards to build new fields, with walkways so senior citizens can also use the space,” he said. It was a rare attempt to sell sport as everyday civic life rather than elite performance.
The rural picture featured just as prominently. “We will renovate unused village fields and build modern indoor ‘sports villages’ in all 64 districts,” Aminul said, aiming to close the gap between city and countryside.
He also tapped into modern trends. “The government will support the construction of futsal grounds to expand this popular game,” he said, acknowledging how fast tastes are changing.
The biggest ambition sat at the end of his pitch. “We dream of building a full sports industry,” Aminul said. “International-standard equipment will be produced in Bangladesh, exported abroad, earning foreign currency and creating jobs.” It sounded optimistic, but it set a clear direction.
Corporate representatives welcomed the proposals and pledged to become partners in sports development.
