Martial arts made compulsory in primary schools
Martial arts will become a compulsory component of sports education for students in Classes IV and V at primary schools as the government moves to strengthen children’s physical and mental development, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj has announced.
The new initiative aims to develop confidence, discipline, self-control and overall wellbeing among primary school students by integrating martial arts into regular sports education.
Making the announcement at the Black Belt Award Ceremony 2026, organised by the Bangladesh Kyokushin Karate Association (BKKA) at Rangs Bhaban in the capital’s Bijoy Sarani on Friday night, Bobby Hajjaj said the government is placing greater emphasis on sports as part of primary education.
“Martial arts along with sports education are very important for children’s physical and mental development, confidence, discipline and self-control. So, the government is strengthening sports activities in primary education and is giving importance to martial arts as part of compulsory sports education in grades-IV and V,” he said.
The state minister said martial arts offer benefits beyond self-defence by helping children build character and social responsibility.
“Martial arts is not just a self-defense technique, it helps a person gain discipline, confidence, patience and a positive mindset. When a student gains confidence in him, he learns to avoid violence and conflict and can play a positive role in society,” he said.
He stressed that wider participation in sports and martial arts is essential to nurturing a healthy, confident and patriotic younger generation.
Calling for broader collaboration, Bobby Hajjaj urged karate organisations to prepare a practical roadmap for expanding martial arts training in primary schools across the country, assuring them of the government’s support in implementing the initiative.
The announcement came during the Black Belt Award Ceremony 2026 organised by the Bangladesh Kyokushin Karate Association (BKKA). At the event, Bobby Hajjaj presented black belts to successful karate practitioners.
