The Ministry of Youth and Sports has officially announced a national-level self-defense training program aimed at strengthening the physical, mental, and national preparedness of young citizens. Under this initiative, a total of 8,850 trainees, both men and women aged between 18 and 35 years, will receive professional training at seven regional training centers across Bangladesh under the supervision of Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP).

Objective and Vision

The program, implemented by BKSP, is part of the government’s broader efforts to empower youth through physical education and skill-based training. The Ministry has clarified that the main goal is to develop discipline, resilience, leadership, and national responsibility among the youth through self-defense education.

This initiative emphasizes self-defense, physical fitness, and personal development as essential tools for national progress. By learning martial arts and other defense techniques, young participants are expected to become confident, responsible, and socially aware citizens.

Scope and Training Centers

According to the official announcement, training will be conducted at seven centers, including the main BKSP campus in Dhaka and six regional training centers in Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, Khulna, Barishal, Sylhet, and Dinajpur.

Below is the breakdown of the centers and the number of participants:

Note: Female trainees will receive training only at the BKSP Dhaka center.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants for this program must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Must be Bangladeshi citizens aged 18–35 years (both male and female)

• Must have passed at least the Secondary School Certificate (SSC)

• Must be physically and mentally fit to participate in intensive physical training

Facilities and Allowances

To ensure the best possible training environment, selected trainees will be provided with full logistical and material support from the BKSP authority. The facilities include:

• Free accommodation and meals

• Training kits, including track suits, T-shirts, and other accessories

• A daily allowance of BDT 300, totaling BDT 4,200 for the entire training duration

• Upon successful completion, trainees will receive an official training certificate from BKSP and the Ministry of Youth and Sports

This initiative aims to ensure that every participant can focus fully on their training without any financial burden.

Training Modules and Disciplines

The training will cover a comprehensive set of self-defense disciplines including:

• Karate

• Judo

• Taekwondo

• Basic Firearms Handling and Safety

These modules will be conducted by experienced national and regional instructors, certified by BKSP and relevant sports federations.

Duration and Implementation

The training will run in multiple phases throughout the year, allowing regional batches to participate simultaneously. Each center will maintain a structured schedule emphasizing:

• Morning physical exercise and conditioning

• Martial arts sessions

• Mental fitness and teamwork development

• Firearms safety awareness (under expert supervision)

• Evaluation and certification

Goals Beyond Training

The Ministry emphasized that this initiative is part of a larger national plan to engage youth in constructive physical activities, promote self-discipline, and prevent youth delinquency and drug abuse. It also aims to develop a reserve of trained and responsible citizens who can contribute in emergencies or national needs.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports believes that empowering young people with discipline and physical skills will not only improve personal safety but also contribute to a stronger and more resilient society.

Statements from Officials

In an official statement shared on social media, Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan confirmed that the training program will be held across seven centers under the ministry’s supervision. He reiterated that the goal is to build a physically strong, confident, and patriotic young generation.

He said:

“The Ministry of Youth and Sports will provide this special self-defense training to 8,850 young men and women. Through this initiative, we aim to create a disciplined, self-reliant, and responsible youth community.”

Role of BKSP

BKSP, the country’s leading sports training institution, has been entrusted with the full implementation of the program. The institution will manage trainee selection, logistics, accommodation, and the overall training framework.

BKSP’s decades-long experience in producing top athletes ensures that the new program will maintain high standards of training quality, safety, and discipline.

Controversy Erupts Over Government's Youth Martial Arts and Firearms Training Program

But this  new initiative by the Yunus-led government to train thousands of young citizens in karate and firearms has triggered a major national debate, with observers and critics expressing deep concern over the program's true purpose.

The government asserts the move is vital for "strengthening the reserve force," but analysts warn that the underlying motive may be far more complex, raising serious questions about the nation's stability.

Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, Adviser to the Youth and Sports Ministry, announced the program on Monday, October 20, via his verified Facebook page. He stated the goal is to train 8,850 young men and women aged 18 to 35 in karate, judo, taekwondo, and firearms handling as part of national defense strengthening.

The first phase of the training is slated to take place at seven centers across the country. Reports note that Adviser Asif, whose controversial background is well-known, is personally known to carry weapons.

Critics Allege a "Smokescreen"

Critics, however, are skeptical of the official narrative, alleging the announcement is merely a "smokescreen" to hide an ulterior political agenda.

"This move by the Yunus-led government does not look promising," stated one observer. Others argue that authorities are secretly training a large number of young people in military skills under the guise of a patriotic initiative.

A crucial question being raised is the specific criteria and process used to select the 8,850 participants, suggesting a potentially non-transparent or biased selection process.

Hidden Agenda and Geopolitical Fears

According to various analyses, a "large secret purpose" is believed to be hidden in the program's implementation and personnel selection. Key allegations include:

• Political Bias: Secret sources claim that madrasa students and individuals considered anti-India have been prioritized for the defense training, based on the current administration's perceived ideological leaning towards Jamaat-e-Islami.

• Future Unrest: There are growing fears that this newly military-trained cadre could be mobilized to create major unrest. This concern is magnified by the fact that the interim government has yet to recover half of the weapons looted from police stations during the July 2024 movement.

• Venue Questioned: The decision to conduct military training at a sports facility like BKSP (Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan) has also been questioned by observers.

• Foreign Influence: On a geopolitical level, some express concern that the training is part of a long-term strategy by American and Pakistani intelligence agencies to exert future pressure on India—drawing comparisons to foreign agencies' involvement in the creation of the Taliban in Afghanistan.

These serious allegations have intensified the concern that the youth training program could be a destabilizing force rather than a measure of national defense.