Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday called on athletes not to join any political party, urging them instead to represent Bangladesh through their sporting excellence. He made the remarks at the inauguration of the sports card and allowance distribution program held at Shapla Hall of the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon. During the event, Rahman launched the initiative by transferring one lakh taka to each athlete’s mobile account through Sonali Bank’s online system and distributed sports cards to 129 athletes.

Rahman said the government has begun implementing a structured salary framework for athletes to help them pursue sports as a profession without financial insecurity. He emphasized that sports are now recognized globally as a profession and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to professionalize sports in Bangladesh, as promised in the party’s election manifesto. The prime minister also announced that a “Farmers Card” program will begin on April 14 and that physically challenged athletes will be included in the sports card scheme.

He further revealed plans to make sports compulsory from grade four and to relaunch “Natun Kuri Sports” nationwide from April 30 to discover young sporting talent.