Sports to become compulsory from Class 4 from next academic year: Bangladesh state minister

The move will give sports equal status with core subjects as part of a push to cut screen time, draw children back to the field.

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Thematic image. In this picture taken on February 4, 2025, students get new textbooks in their classroom at a school in Dhaka. PHOTO: AFP

March 30, 2026

DHAKA – Replying to a question from Chattogram-16 MP Mohammad Zahirul Islam, he said the initiative will begin next academic year, in line with the prime minister’s electoral pledge.

“It will start with seven disciplines, with more added gradually,” he said.

Students will be assessed through both theoretical and practical components, with participation in field activities forming a key part of evaluation.

“After returning home, many children become overly dependent on digital devices. This initiative aims to bring them back to the fields and encourage an active lifestyle,” he said.

The state minister added that the programme is also expected to help build a drug-free society by engaging young people in structured sports activities.

Highlighting infrastructure plans, Aminul said the government will develop playgrounds across all 495 upazilas, and the prime minister has directed authorities to ensure proper implementation of the initiative nationwide.

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