BOA Newsletter

July 2025 | 2nd Edition

BOA Celebrates Olympic Day 2025 with Grand Rally

President Bangladesh Olympic Association & Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman is inaugurating the Olympic Day Rally 2025 in Dhaka on 24 June 2025

On 24 June 2025, the Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) proudly celebrated Olympic Day 2025 with a vibrant rally in Dhaka. The event brought together over 1,000 enthusiastic participants, including athletes, officials from national federations, Olympians, representatives from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, National Sports Council and various sports clubs.

The rally commenced at 6:30am from Bangladesh Shishu Academy and concluded at the National Stadium, Dhaka. The Chief Guest of the event was General Waker-Uz-Zaman, SBP, OSP, SGP, psc, who graced the occasion and encouraged the participants in embracing the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect.

At the conclusion point of the rally, all participants were awarded certificates and provided with refreshments. The formal part of the celebration included a flag-hoisting ceremony followed by a speech from a representative of the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health, emphasizing the importance of physical activity in preventing Non-Communicable Diseases Control (NCDC).

The President of the Bangladesh Olympic Association then delivered an inspiring address, highlighting the significance of Olympic Day and the role of sports in national unity and health. The programme concluded with the President BOA personally handing over certificates of participation to the Olympians who joined the rally, marking a memorable end to a successful celebration. It should be mentioned here that this marked the first time in history that Olympians were accorded the elevated recognition and respect they truly deserve.

eqUIP19 Internship Orientation Programme in Sri Lanka

📍 Location: Dambulla, Sri Lanka | 📆 Date: 1 to 4 April 2025

👤 Participant: Ms. Jesmin Akter, eqUIP Intern, CGF

Ms. Jesmin Akter from Bangladesh took part in the eqUIP19 Internship orientation Programme 2025. The programme was organised by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and hosted by the Commonwealth Games Association of Sri Lanka. It was the first time the programme took place in Asia. CGF is the organisation responsible for the direction and control of the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Youth Games, and for delivering on the vision of the Commonwealth Sports Movement: Our Commonwealth, united through sport.

Ms. Jesmine, eqUIP Intern from Bangladesh is posing along with participants from different countries at the programme in Sri Lanka

Young sports leaders from Bangladesh, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka joined the orientation, where they took part in training sessions on sports governance, leadership, and development. The programme also included cultural activities and visits to historic sites in Sri Lanka.

BOA Officials Attended OCA & OS Regional Forum in Bhutan

📍Location: Thimphu, Bhutan | 📆 Date: 2 to 3 April 2025
👤 Participants: Mr. Abhijit Sarker, Treasurer, BOA
        Mr. Arbin Al Amour Sany, Executive Officer (Marketing), BOA

Mr. Abhijit Sarker, Treasurer of BOA, and Mr. Arbin Al Amour Sany, Executive Officer (Marketing), at the OCA & Olympic Solidarity Regional Forum in Bhutan

Mr. Abhijit Sarker, Treasurer of BOA, and Mr. Arbin Al Amour Sany, Executive Officer (Marketing), participated in the OCA & Olympic Solidarity Regional Forum held on 2–3 April 2025 in Thimphu, Bhutan. The forum brought together delegates from various National Olympic Committees in the region. Participants gained valuable knowledge about the activities of Olympic Solidarity and the Olympic Council of Asia, including updates on development programmes, funding opportunities, and regional cooperation.

BOA Observes International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2025

Executive Committee members, Officers and Staffs of BOA, Secretary of Ministry of Youth and Sports and Secretary of National Sports Council are celebrating the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace

On 6 April 2025, the Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) took part in the celebration of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace and the National-International Day of Sports. BOA joined the rally organized by the National Sports Council (NSC), along with other stakeholders, carrying International Day of Sports banner. Executive Committee members, officers and staffs of BOA actively participated in the event.

Later in the day, Brigadier General (Retd.) A B M Shefaul Kabir, SGP, ndc, afwc, psc, Director General of BOA, attended a meeting hosted by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the National Sports Council. He delivered a speech highlighting the importance of peace, unity, and development through sports. The meeting’s Chief Guest was Mr. Asif Mahmud Sojib Bhuiyan, Honourable Adviser, the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Welfare Support Provided to Former District Sports Official

DG BOA Brigadier General (retired) A B M Shefaul Kabir, SGP, ndc, afwc, psc handing over a cheque to Mr. Md. Masudur Rahman

As part of its welfare initiatives, the Bangladesh Olympic Association has extended financial assistance to Mr. Md. Masudur Rahman, former General Secretary of Thakurgaon District Sports Association, for his medical treatment.

OCA Gender Equity Seminar 2025 in Brunei Darussalam

📍Location: Brunei Darussalam | 📆 Date: 8–9 April 2025
👤 Participants: Mr. Akhtar Husain Khan, National Course Director, BOA
        Mrs. Ishrat Jahan, Member, Medical & Anti-Doping Committee, BOA

Participants of the OCA Gender Equality Seminar 2025

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) held the Gender Equity Seminar 2025 on 8–9 April 2025 in Brunei Darussalam. The seminar was attended by 95 participants from 43 National Olympic Committees (NOCs), focusing on the theme “Watch Her Shine.”

From Bangladesh, Mr. Akhtar Husain Khan, NCD, BOA, and Mrs. Ishrat Jahan, Member, Medical & Anti-Doping Committee, BOA, participated in the event.

The seminar called for stronger efforts to promote gender equity across Asian sport, including 30% female representation and increased leadership opportunities for women. Participants also received certificates of appreciation from the OCA.

BOA Executive Committee Meeting Held at Dhaka Cantonment

The Executive Committee Meeting No. 01/2025 of the Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) was held on 23 April 2025 at 2:00 PM in the Conference Room of the Army Multipurpose Complex, Dhaka Cantonment. The meeting was presided over by the Respected President of BOA and Chief of Army Staff, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, SBP, OSP, SGP, psc.

General Waker-Uz-Zaman, President, BOA is delivering his speech

At the start of the meeting, members observed a moment of silence in remembrance of athletes, sports organizers, and members of the sports community who passed away between 7 December 2024 and 22 April 2025.

The meeting welcomed the newly appointed Director General of BOA, Brigadier General (retired) ABM Shefaul Kabir, SGP, ndc, afwc, psc, who was formally Introduced to the members.

BOA President, Secretary General, Vice-Presidents and other EC Members

In his opening remarks, the President expressed appreciation to all national federations, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Bangladesh Army for their continued cooperation in BOA’s activities. He emphasized on the importance of the Olympic Complex Project in Trishal, Mymensingh, expressing optimism about its role in enhancing sports infrastructure and Bangladesh’s position in the international sporting arena.

BOA Attends 45th OCA General Assembly in Kuwait

📍Location: Kuwait | 📆Date: 11–12 May 2025
👤Participant: Mr. Syed Shahed Reza, Secretary General, BOA

The 45th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) was held from 11 to 12 May 2025 in Kuwait. From the Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA), Mr. Syed Shahed Reza, Secretary General participated in the assembly.

The meeting brought together key representatives from National Olympic Committees across Asia to discuss updates on upcoming games, regional development, and OCA’s strategic priorities.

BOA Participates in the 3rd Asian Youth Games CDM Seminar in Bahrain

📍Location: Amwaj Island, Bahrain | 📆Date: 14–17 May 2025
👤Participant: Mr. Mohammad Habibur Rahman, Deputy Manager (Games & IR) BOA

Participants of the 3rd Asian Youth Games CDM Seminar in Bahrain

The Chef de Mission (CDM) Seminar for the upcoming 3rd Asian Youth Games was held from 14 to 17 May 2025 at Amwaj Island, Bahrain. Mr. Mohammad Habibur Rahman, Deputy Manager (Games & International Relations) represented the Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) at the seminar.

The programme included briefings on competition schedules, logistics, athlete services, and accreditation procedures. Participants also visited various Games competition venues to better understand the facilities and operational plans ahead of the Games, scheduled for October 2025.

Bangladeshi Coaches Attend International Coaching Course in Hungary

📍Location: Budapest, Hungary | 📆Date: 1 April – 23 May 2025
👤Participants: Ms. Raznita Chowdhury (Tennis)
          Mr. Md. Rashedul Islam (Football)

Two coaches from Bangladesh participated in the International Coaching Course (ICC) held from 1 April to 23 May 2025 in Budapest, Hungary. The course was organized by the Hungarian University of Sports Science (HUSS) in collaboration with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and supported by Olympic Solidarity (OS).

Participants of ICC Spring 2025

Ms. Raznita Chowdhury, Coach, Bangladesh Tennis Federation, and Mr. Md. Rashedul Islam from Bangladesh Football Federation, took part in this prestigious 8-week on-campus programme, which combined theoretical learning with hands-on coaching experience. Since 1971, the ICC has been a leading platform for the professional development of sports coaches worldwide.

Federation Representatives Visit Proposed Olympic Complex Site in Trishal, Mymensingh

On 24 May 2025, representatives from various National Federations visited the proposed site of the Olympic Complex in Trishal, Mymensingh. The visit was organized to provide stakeholders with a firsthand view of the land allocated for the project and discuss its potential for future development.

Representatives from different National Federations who visited

the proposed Olympic Complex in Trishal, Mymensingh

The planned Olympic Complex aims to serve as a national hub for high-performance training and multi-sport facilities, marking a significant step forward in the development of sports infrastructure in Bangladesh.

BOA Organizes Sport Administrators Course, to enhance Sports Management Skills

From 25 to 28 May 2025, the Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA), supported by the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Solidarity programme, successfully conducted a Sport Administrators Course. The four-day training brought together 28 coaches and sports organizers from various Olympic and non-Olympic national federations, multi-sports associations and public universities.

Participants of the course along with BOA Secretary General Mr. Syed Shahed Reza,

National Course Directors and BOA Officials.

The course covered key topics such as the roles and responsibilities in sports management, improving organizational skills, and understanding the core values of the Olympic Movement and Olympism. Participants actively engaged in group presentations, applying the knowledge gained during the sessions.

The training was led by BOA’s National Course Directors—Mr. Akhtar Husain Khan, Mr. Md. Mosaraf Hossain Molla, Mr. Faruqul Islam, and Mr. Qazi Mainuzzaman—with guest speakers Lt. Col. Ahsan Aziz (Retd.) and Dr. Farzana Akhter Bhuiyan.

At the closing ceremony held in the BOA Auditorium, Secretary General Mr. Syed Shahed Reza served as the chief guest and distributed certificates to the participants. In his speech, he urged everyone to utilize the acquired knowledge to strengthen their respective areas and further the Olympic Movement in Bangladesh.

Other dignitaries present included Mr. Ashikur Rahman Miku, Deputy Secretary General and Co-Chairman of the Olympic Solidarity Committee, Mr. Abhijit Sarkar, Treasurer of BOA, and various BOA officials.

Chefs de Mission Seminar for Islamic Solidarity Games 2025

📍Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | 📆Date: 1–2 June 2025
👤Participant: Mr. Sayeed Ahmed Shahed, General Manager (Finance & Admin) BOA

Participants of the Islamic Solidarity Games Chefs de Mission Seminar in Riyad, KSA

The Chefs de Mission Seminar for the upcoming Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was held from 01 to 02 June 2025. The seminar provided essential briefings on event preparation including competition venue visits, delegation management and logistics.

Mr. Sayeed Ahmed Shahed, General Manager of Finance & Admin, represented the Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) at the seminar.

Bangladesh Participates in 65th International Session of Young Olympic Ambassadors

📍Location: Athens & Ancient Olympia, Greece | 📆Date: 7–19 June 2025
👤Participants: Md. Robiul Islam, Olympian, Shooting Sport

Ms. Humayra Akter Antora, Professional Karate Athlete

Md. Md. Robiul Islam and Ms. Humayra Akter Antora at the Opening Ceremony of the 65th International Session for Young Olympic Ambassadors

From 7 to 19 June 2025, the 65th International Session of Young Olympic Ambassadors was held by the International Olympic Academy in Athens and Ancient Olympia, Greece. The programme brought together young athletes , Olympians and young leaders from around the world to learn about Olympic values, leadership, and international sports culture.

Representing Bangladesh, Mr. Md. Robiul Islam, Olympian in Shooting, and Ms. Humayra Akter Antora, Karate athlete, participated actively in the session, gaining valuable experience and connections to promote Olympism at home.

BOA Athlete Commission Chair Attends 12th International Athletes' Forum

📍Location: Lausanne, Switzerland | 📆Date: 11–12 June 2025
👤Participant: Mrs. Farhad Jesmin Lity, Chairman, BOA Athletes’ Commission

Chairman of BOA Athlete Commission Mrs. Farhad Jesmin Lity, attending 12th International Athletes Forum 2025

The 12th International Athletes' Forum 2025 was held from 11 to 12 June 2025 in Lausanne, Switzerland, bringing together athlete representatives from across the globe to discuss key issues related to athletes’ welfare, rights, and representation.

Mrs. Farhad Jesmin Lity, Chairman of the BOA Athletes’ Commission, represented Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) at the forum, engaging in meaningful discussions on strengthening the global athlete voice within the Olympic Movement.

BOA Provides Welfare Support to Family of Late Grand Master Ziaur Rahman

Secretary General, BOA Mr. Syed Shahed Reza handing over the Cheque to the family of Late Grand Master Ziaur Rahman

On 17 June 2025, the Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) extended financial assistance to the wife and son of Grand Master Ziaur Rahman, following his sad demise. The support was provided as part of BOA’s ongoing welfare activities to honour and assist the families of those who have made significant contributions to sports in Bangladesh.

BOA starts the Celebration of Olympic Day and Congratulates the new IOC President

On 23 June 2025, the Executive Committee Members of the Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) started the celebration of Olympic Day by cutting a cake at the Olympic Bhaban, Dhaka. As part of the celebration, the members extended their heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Kirsty Coventry on assuming office as the new President of International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The Secretary General, Deputy Secretary General, Treasurer, Executive Committee Members and

Director General are seen in cake cutting at Olympic Bhaban, Dhaka

The occasion marked both a tribute to the Olympic spirit and a recognition of a historic leadership transition at the global Olympic level.

BOA President Holds ‘Courtesy Call on’ with the Presidents of National Federations

On 24 June 2025, the President of the Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) and Chief of the Army Staff, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, SBP, OSP, SGP, psc, held a ‘courtesy call on’ with the Presidents of various National Federations of Bangladesh at the Army Multipurpose Complex in Dhaka Cantonment, Dhaka.

The President of BOA & Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman is delivering Speech towards the Presidents of different National Federations

The meeting focused on understanding the needs and expectations of the federations to strengthen coordination and support for the development of sports across the country. During the session, the BOA President officially announced the establishment of a modern Olympic Complex in Trishal, Mymensingh, a major step toward enhancing the nation’s sports infrastructure and training facilities.

This initiative is expected to benefit athletes from all disciplines and contribute significantly to the advancement of the Olympic movement in Bangladesh.

Highlights from BOA Executive Committee Meeting No. 02/2025

The Bangladesh Olympic Association Executive Committee Meeting No. 02/2025 was held on 24 June 2025 at the Army Multipurpose Complex, Dhaka Cantonment, following a courtesy meeting with federation presidents.

The Executive Committee Meeting of Bangladesh Olympic Association held on 24 June 2025

The Editorial Board

Associate Editors