In response to rising incidents of violence, harassment, snatching, abduction, and sexual assault—especially targeting women and young people—the Government of Bangladesh has taken a major initiative to empower the youth with self-defense skills. The Ministry of Youth and Sports is introducing a new project titled “Basic Self-Defense Training for Youth”, aimed at equipping individuals aged 18 to 35 with essential techniques to protect themselves in dangerous situations.
The project will be implemented by the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP), which will establish training centers across various regions of the country. The initiative is the first of its kind at the government level on such a large scale.
Who Will Be Trained?
The project targets a total of 8,850 young participants, including 8,250 men and 600 women. They will receive hands-on training in four key areas:
- Judo
- Karate
- Shooting
- Taekwondo
These disciplines will not only help in developing physical self-defense techniques but also promote discipline, self-confidence, situational awareness, and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.
Duration and Budget
According to the proposal, once approved, the project will begin on August 1, 2024, and continue until December 30, 2027. The total estimated cost is BDT 27.99 crore (approximately USD 2.5 million).
- About BDT 23.1 crore will be spent on training.
- BDT 2.51 crore will go toward furniture and training materials.
- The remaining funds will be used for housing renovations, equipment, transportation, publicity, participant allowances, and miscellaneous costs.
Objectives of the Project
The main goal is to build a confident, disciplined, and resilient generation capable of protecting themselves and contributing to a safer society. The training will help participants develop a fighting spirit, emotional control, and a strong sense of self-respect and responsibility.
Key self-defense skills to be taught include:
- Evading sudden attacks
- Maintaining physical balance
- Quick response techniques
- Mental and emotional control under threat
Approval Process Underway
The Ministry of Youth and Sports has already submitted a Development Project Proposal (DPP) to the Planning Commission. While the initial proposal, submitted on April 15, was returned for revision, a corrected version was resubmitted on July 15 with the consent of the Finance Division. It is currently under review for final approval.
Why Now?
Officials involved say the rising trend of violence and insecurity has made personal self-defense skills more critical than ever. Relying solely on law enforcement is not enough; individuals—particularly women—must be capable of defending themselves. This project is designed to meet that urgent societal need.
Once implemented, the program is expected to not only improve the sense of security among youth but also play a vital role in crime prevention and building a stronger, more aware generation in Bangladesh.
