The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has set out an eye-catching vision to transform sport into a full-fledged profession, unveiling an ambitious manifesto packed with promises ranging from compulsory school sports to Olympic-level training systems and a nationwide expansion of stadiums.
Positioning sport as both a social movement and an economic sector, the party says it wants to reshape how Bangladesh discovers talent, builds infrastructure and competes on the world stage. If implemented, the plan would mark one of the most sweeping overhauls of the country’s sporting landscape in decades.
Sports in classrooms, scholarships for young talent
At the heart of the proposal is a push to embed sport into everyday education. BNP says physical activity will become compulsory in the national curriculum, while a new “Natun Kuri Sports” programme will identify talented athletes aged 12 to 14 and support them through scholarships.
The manifesto promises sports officers and specialised teachers in every upazila, alongside gradual recruitment of subject-specific coaches across educational institutions. Branches of BKSP, the country’s premier sports training institute, would also be expanded to every divisional city.
Stadium boom and reclaimed playgrounds
Perhaps the most dramatic pledge is a nationwide infrastructure drive. BNP proposes building quality indoor stadiums in 450 upazilas and establishing sports villages with modern facilities in all 64 districts. In Dhaka, ward-based playground development and the recovery of encroached fields are planned in an attempt to revive grassroots sport.
Playgrounds in both urban and rural areas would be reorganised, while athletes with disabilities and underprivileged backgrounds would be given greater access to national and international competition.
Olympic ambitions and new professional leagues
The party says Bangladesh should aim for a stronger presence in global competitions by 2030. A modern National Olympic Academy would be created to prepare athletes for events such as the Asian Games,
Commonwealth Games and the Olympics.
Talent hunt schemes across schools, colleges and universities are expected to widen the talent pool, with prestigious national awards promised for international success.
In a move likely to excite fans beyond cricket and football, BNP proposes launching professional leagues in hockey, basketball, volleyball, chess and other sports, signalling a push to diversify the country’s sporting identity.
Women’s safety, science and a growing sports economy
The manifesto also highlights security and facilities for female athletes, pledging measures to eliminate harassment and ensure modern training environments. Party leaders say political interference in sports bodies would be halted to restore professional leadership.
To modernise training methods, BNP plans to establish a National Sports Research Institute using data analysis and technology to raise performance standards. Increased public and private investment, including corporate social responsibility funding from banks and businesses, would underpin the broader expansion.
Framing sport as a potential economic engine, the party says it aims to build a “sports economy” that generates jobs, industry growth and international recognition.
Analysts say the proposals reflect a growing trend of political parties using sport as a platform for youth engagement and national branding. Whether the sweeping promises translate into real-world facilities and results, however, will depend on funding, governance reforms and long-term policy commitment.