Bangladesh has proposed a record allocation of Tk2,586 crore for the Ministry of Youth and Sports in the national budget for the fiscal year 2026-27, underscoring the government's ambition to transform sports into a major economic sector and establish the country on the global sporting map by 2030.
The proposed allocation marks an increase from the original Tk2,423 crore allocated for the Ministry of Youth and Sports in the 2025-26 fiscal year. However, the allocation was later revised downward to Tk1,804 crore in the revised budget for the outgoing fiscal year.
Presenting the budget in parliament on Thursday, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury outlined an extensive roadmap aimed at developing sports infrastructure, nurturing young talent and promoting sports as a viable profession.
A key highlight of the budget is the government's plan to establish "Sports Villages" in all 64 districts of the country. According to the finance minister, preliminary designs have already been completed for Sports Villages in 10 districts as part of the initiative.
"The sports sector will be developed not merely as a source of entertainment, but as a full-fledged economic sector where sports, events, media, merchandise, tourism and services together generate income, employment and investment opportunities," the minister said during his budget speech.
As part of talent development efforts, the government has allocated Tk200 crore for the "Notun Kuri Sports" programme in FY2026-27. The initiative, launched in line with the Prime Minister's vision, aims to identify and support talented athletes aged between 12 and 14 years through scholarships.
The programme covers eight disciplines — football, cricket, kabaddi, athletics, badminton, chess, swimming and martial arts. According to the budget speech, 168,622 young athletes have already registered under the scheme, including 121,492 boys and 47,130 girls from across the country.
The government also reiterated its commitment to making sports a sustainable profession. Sports allowances are already being provided to 300 athletes as part of efforts to encourage sporting careers.
In addition, initiatives have been undertaken to strengthen "sports diplomacy" to boost international cooperation and engagement through sports.
To expand participation at the grassroots level, the government plans to organise regular competitions and tournaments at different levels to ensure that every student gets the opportunity to participate in at least one sporting discipline.
The ambitious measures reflect Bangladesh's broader objective of securing a recognised position in several sports disciplines on the international stage by 2030 through improved infrastructure, talent identification and enhanced support systems for athletes.
