State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj has said martial arts are being included as compulsory sports education for fourth and fifth grade students at primary schools in a bid to promote children's physical and mental development.

“Martial arts along with sports education are very important for children's physical and mental development, confidence, discipline and self-control. So, the government is strengthening sports activities in primary education and is giving importance to martial arts as part of compulsory sports education in grades-IV and V,” he said.

The state minister came up with the disclosure while addressing the Black Belt Award Ceremony 2026, organised by the Bangladesh Kyokushin Karate Association (BKKA) at Rangs Bhaban in the capital's Bijoy Sarani are on Friday night, said a PID handout on Saturday.

Bobby Hajjaj said, "Martial arts is not just a self-defense technique, it helps a person gain discipline, confidence, patience and a positive mindset. When a student gains confidence in him, he learns to avoid violence and conflict and can play a positive role in society."

He stressed that spreading sports and martial arts is essential to raising a healthy, confident and patriotic young generation in Bangladesh.

The state minister called upon karate organisations to formulate a practical plan to expand training programmes in primary schools across the country, assuring that the government would extend the necessary support to implement such initiatives.

Bobby Hajjaj presented black belts to the successful karate practitioners.