Zaima Rahman calls for greater international exposure for Bangladeshi athletes

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s daughter, Zaima Rahman, has stressed the need for greater international exposure and long-term investment in sports development to help Bangladeshi athletes achieve success on the global stage.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday following a visit to the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP), the country’s premier sports training institute, Zaima praised the institution’s role in nurturing sporting talent and shaping the character of young athletes.

Highlighting BKSP’s contribution since its establishment in 1986, she noted that many of Bangladesh’s national athletes in football, cricket, judo, athletics and other disciplines had emerged from the residential sports academy.

Zaima said she was particularly impressed by the discipline, enthusiasm and values displayed by the students, as well as the dedication of teachers, coaches, medical staff and other employees in helping young athletes reach their full potential.

She described BKSP as a supportive environment where aspiring sports stars are encouraged to dream, grow and develop.

However, she questioned why Bangladesh has not secured more international medals and podium finishes despite having talented athletes and committed coaches.

“There is no simple answer,” she wrote, adding that Bangladeshi athletes need more opportunities to compete internationally and gain experience against stronger opponents in diverse environments from an early age.

According to Zaima, the country’s athletes are eager to compete, test themselves against the best and represent Bangladesh on the global stage.

She emphasised the need for a structured and sustained approach to sports development, including enhanced training facilities, increased funding and comprehensive support systems to prepare athletes for international competition.

Her recommendations included more international tournaments and training camps, stronger sports science and recovery support, and sport-specific development plans integrating coaching, competition schedules, education and athlete welfare.

Zaima also underscored the importance of maintaining a balance between academic education and sporting ambitions. She said no child should be forced to choose between pursuing studies and representing Bangladesh in international sports.

She advocated for a modern curriculum that allows young athletes to continue their education while developing their sporting careers, noting that many countries have successfully implemented athlete-centred education systems without compromising academic standards.

“Bangladesh should establish a practical model suited to its own realities,” she said.

Concluding her post, Zaima thanked everyone associated with BKSP for giving her “another reason to be proud to be Bangladeshi”.