DHAKA, June 28 (V7N) – Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives and Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain today underscored the interim government's commitment to leveraging Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to bolster sports sponsorship in Bangladesh.

Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the Mymensingh Divisional Tennis Competition-2025 at the National Tennis Complex in Dhaka, Shojib Bhuyain stated, "The government is working on the process of spending a specific part of the CSR fund on the sponsorship of sports. Not only banks but also other corporate institutions that have rules for CSR are working with the high level of the government to make sports mandatory."

He emphasized that CSR contributions would become "crucial in supporting the growth and sustainability of sports in Bangladesh." This initiative aims to create a more robust and sustainable funding model for sports development.

The adviser also highlighted the government's ongoing push for the decentralization of sports activities, a strategy he believes will be instrumental in nurturing talent at the grassroots level across the country.

In a significant announcement, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain revealed that the interim government has taken a notable step towards enhancing sports infrastructure with plans for the establishment of a National Sports Institute. He affirmed that activities for establishing this institute are progressing, stating that "if this institute is established, advanced level training can be provided to potential players." This new institute is expected to play a pivotal role in professionalizing sports training and elevating the performance of Bangladeshi athletes.

The Mymensingh Divisional Tennis Competition-2025, which the adviser inaugurated, is jointly organized by the Bangladesh Tennis Federation (BTF) and Mymensingh Club. The eight-day event, featuring categories for men, women, and seniors, is being held at the National Tennis Complex in Ramna, Dhaka, and Mymensingh Club.

CSR in Bangladesh and Sports:

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been gaining traction in Bangladesh, with Bangladesh Bank, the central bank, playing a key role in encouraging banks and financial institutions to engage in CSR activities. While CSR initiatives have historically focused on areas like education, health, and disaster management, the government's push to mandate a portion for sports marks a dedicated effort to diversify CSR's impact and provide consistent funding for the sports sector. Various companies, including MAX Group, have already engaged in sports sponsorship as part of their CSR.

National Sports Institute:

Bangladesh currently has the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP), established in 1986, which serves as the premier national sports institute providing both education and specialized sports training. The announcement of a new "National Sports Institute" suggests a further expansion or a more specialized facility aiming for advanced training to enhance the performance of elite athletes, complementing the existing BKSP's grassroots and foundational training. This aligns with the Ministry of Youth and Sports' long-term objectives to identify and develop sporting talent, improve sports standards, and enhance the social dignity of sportspersons.

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