500 National Athletes to Be Brought Under Salary Structure, Says State Minister for Youth and Sports

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, at an event titled “Women’s Glory in Sports” organized by the Daily Sun, State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque announced a transformative plan for Bangladesh’s sports sector. He highlighted the government’s multifaceted initiatives aimed particularly at ensuring the safety of female athletes and the financial well-being of national-level athletes.

Drawing from his own experience as a former star footballer, he said that as an athlete, he deeply understands the opportunities and challenges faced by sports professionals.

The minister stated that ensuring the safety of female athletes is the government’s highest priority. In this regard, inter-ministerial discussions have already taken place, and very soon, a special cell will be established within the Ministry of Sports. This cell will work to guarantee all necessary support, from the safety of female athletes to addressing their family issues and improving sports standards.

Referring to Bangladesh’s first female triathlete Ferdousi Akter Maria, the minister said that upon learning about Maria’s challenges, he immediately directed the Secretary and the Executive Director of the National Sports Council (NSC) to take necessary measures. As a result, NSC has already provided immediate support, and starting tomorrow, arrangements for a permanent sponsor for Maria will be finalized.

With the aim of establishing sports as a profession, the minister made a major announcement that a plan has been adopted to bring 500 national-level athletes under an initial government salary structure. This will include athletes from all sports, including football, cricket, archery, shooting, volleyball, boxing, weightlifting, and table tennis. Emphasizing good governance and a safe environment in sports, he said the government’s goal is to turn the slogan “Where there is sports as a profession, families will have security” into reality.

To promote grassroots-level sports, Aminul Haque also announced plans to make physical education compulsory from the fourth grade in the national curriculum. The event was attended by female athletes from various national teams and other sports-related personalities.