PM Tarique Rahman Inaugurates Salary Structure and Sports Cards for National Athletes

A historic chapter has begun in Bangladesh’s sports sector. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has inaugurated a salary structure and sports cards for national athletes, with the goal of establishing sports not merely as a hobby or entertainment, but as a dignified profession.

The Prime Minister made the landmark announcement at a ceremony held this morning (Monday, 30 March) at Shapla Hall in the Secretariat. At the same event, 129 athletes who have brought glory to the country at international levels were awarded a total of Tk 2.44 crore in special honours and cash prizes.

In his speech as chief guest, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said: “With the pledge ‘We will work, we will build the nation — Bangladesh first’, we want to completely transform the sports sector.”

Recalling the visionary sports philosophy of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, he said the foundation of modern sports infrastructure was laid by him. The current government is modernising that vision through a master plan to establish international-standard “Sports Villages” in every district and playgrounds in every union.

The Prime Minister announced that the “New Kuri Sports” programme to scout talent at the grassroots level will begin across the country from 30 April. He also said that from 2027, sports will be made mandatory in the national curriculum starting from Class 4.

The State Minister for Youth and Sports highlighted the progress in implementing the government’s election manifesto. He noted that the “Sports Card” will serve as a strong shield to ensure the social and financial security of athletes.

The process of creating posts for sports officers and teachers in every upazila to promote sports education at the grassroots level is progressing rapidly. Additionally, seven BKSP branches in divisional cities are being upgraded to full BKSP centres to reduce pressure on Dhaka and ensure world-class training at the regional level.

On the occasion, 129 athletes who won gold, silver, and bronze medals at international events were presented cash cheques on behalf of the Prime Minister. Gold medallists in individual events received Tk 3 lakh, silver medallists Tk 2 lakh, and bronze medallists Tk 1 lakh.

For team events, gold, silver, and bronze medallists received Tk 2 lakh, Tk 1.5 lakh, and Tk 1 lakh respectively. As part of the sports allowance, each athlete will receive Tk 1 lakh per month. The government has also included athletes with special needs under this honour, setting a precedent for inclusive sports culture.

The Prime Minister described young athletes as “the golden messengers of a new Bangladesh.” He expressed hope that through modern training, government financial security, and the development of a full-fledged “sports industry,” Bangladesh will write new history of global success in events like the Olympics, Asian Games, and SAFF Games in the near future.

Senior military and civilian officials, leaders of various sports federations, and renowned national athletes were present at the event.