Sports to be added to school curriculum: PM

The government is planning to include sports including football, cricket, chess, karate and swimming into the curriculum from Grade four to higher secondary level (HSC), Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said.

“BNP-led government implementing measures to modernise the education sector in line with its “Sobar Agey Bangladesh” election manifesto,” he said in a message issued on the eve of the “Primary School Gold Cup Football Tournament (Boys and Girls) 2026” on Friday.

The prime minister said investment in children’s education and health sector most significant investment in building the nation.

The nationwide football competition a constructive initiative for the overall development of students, he said.

“Students will participate in these activities through practical classes and assessments, helping them develop physically and mentally while reducing social problems such as drug addiction and excessive mobile phone use.

“All 65,569 government primary schools across the country have been brought under the tournament framework in accordance with the policy guidelines.”

The Prime Minister said more than 99 lakh students are involved in the competition, while a total of 123,974 matches have already been played nationwide, making it one of the largest football tournaments in the world.