The government has approved a three-year project titled “Basic Self-Defence Training for Youths” to equip young men and women in Bangladesh with essential self-defence skills aimed at boosting their confidence, discipline, and ability to face unsafe situations.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports will implement the project through the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP) at an estimated cost of Tk 27.82 crore, entirely funded by the Government of Bangladesh, according to the project document.

The project will be implemented from September 2025 to February 2028.

It received final approval from the Planning Ministry on October 13, 2025, following a review by the Project Evaluation Committee (PEC).

According to project documents, the training will be conducted at BKSP’s main centre in Savar, Dhaka, along with its regional training centres in Chattogram, Khulna, Barishal, and Sylhet. Participants from Rajshahi and Mymensingh divisions will be trained at either the Dhaka or Dinajpur centres.

The initiative will reach young people from all 64 districts, ensuring wide access to self-defence training opportunities, according to the project document.

During the project period, a total of 8,850 youths — including 8,250 young men and 600 young women — will receive basic self-defence training.

The project has been included in the Annual Development Programme (ADP) for FY2025–26 under the list of unapproved new projects.

The main objective of the initiative is to build the physical and mental capacity of the country’s youths by equipping them with practical self-defence techniques and promoting self-confidence, discipline, and resilience.

The training is designed to prepare them to respond effectively to any unexpected or threatening situation and to ensure their personal safety.

Officials said that the project will also contribute to the development of a more confident and health-conscious generation of young people.

Sports Ministry officials said providing self-defence training to the younger generation is essential for building a confident and resilient society.

Beyond personal protection, such training develops physical fitness, enhances mental alertness, and cultivates discipline and self-control.

It also encourages civic responsibility and awareness of community safety, particularly among young women who are often more vulnerable to harassment and violence.

By introducing structured training at BKSP and its regional centres, the government aims to make self-defence an accessible life skill for all youths, regardless of their background or location.

Around Tk 16.51 crore has been allocated for training activities, which include instruction, materials, and participant support.

Approximately Tk 7.08 crore will be spent on sports and training equipment, while Tk 2.17 crore has been earmarked for furniture.

The project also includes Tk 67.22 lakh for the renovation of trainee dormitories, Tk 44.03 lakh for the procurement of machinery and tools, and Tk 42.45 lakh for vehicle hire.

Officials from the Youth and Sports Ministry said the initiative is expected to have a lasting impact on national youth development.

It will empower participants with practical self-defence skills, promote gender equality, and help build a generation that is both physically capable and mentally prepared to handle difficult situations.