DistantNews
Support us
๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฉ Bangladesh /Culture & Society

Bangladesh to make martial arts compulsory in primary schools

From Daily Star · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • The government plans to integrate martial arts into compulsory sports education for primary school students in classes four and five.
  • State Minister Bobby Hajjaj stated that martial arts foster discipline, confidence, and self-defense skills, contributing to a healthier generation.
  • The ministry is seeking practical plans from karate organizations to expand training nationwide, promising government support.

The Bangladeshi government is set to make martial arts a mandatory part of sports education for fourth and fifth graders in primary schools. State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj announced the plan, emphasizing the benefits beyond self-defense.

Hajjaj highlighted that martial arts training cultivates essential life skills such as discipline, confidence, patience, and a positive mindset. He believes these attributes are crucial for developing a well-rounded and capable younger generation.

Martial arts is not merely a means of self-defence. It also helps a person develop discipline, confidence, patience and a positive mindset.

โ€” Bobby HajjajState Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj speaking at the Black Belt Award Ceremony 2026.

The state minister urged karate organizations to develop actionable strategies for nationwide implementation. He assured them of the government's commitment and support for integrating these programs into the primary education system. The initiative aims to strengthen sports activities and promote holistic development among students.

Martial arts can help students develop discipline, leadership qualities and self-defence skills, contributing to the creation of a healthy, skilled and humane generation.

โ€” Bobby HajjajState Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj explaining the benefits of martial arts.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Daily Star in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.