Govt mulls Tk 1,244cr fixed fund for sports bodies

The government is considering a Tk 1,244 crore fixed fund for national sports federations and associations to make them financially self-sufficient in the coming years.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Islam disclosed the plan at a view-exchange meeting with senior officials of the newly formed ad hoc committees of 14 national sports federations and associations at the NSC Auditorium on Sunday.

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Aminul said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had agreed in principle to allocate Tk 1,244 crore as seed money, allowing the sports bodies to become financially solvent rather than depend on others.

Under the initial plan, 75 percent of the interest generated by the fund would be used for sports activities and office maintenance, while the remaining 25 percent would be reinvested to grow the fund.

Although each ad hoc committee had been initially asked to hold elections for their respective federations within three months of their formation, the sports minister said the committees would remain in office until the district sports association elections were completed.

Reiterating his zero-tolerance stance on irregularities in sports, Aminul said no one involved in corruption or other irregularities would be spared, adding that relevant agencies were actively investigating past offences.

He also stressed the importance of creating a safe and disciplined environment for female athletes.

The sports minister will meet senior officials of 13 more sports bodies on Monday.