Bangladesh & WEU inks MoU to promote traditional sports
Asif Mahmud expressed hope that this visit would further strengthen and accelerate the strategic partnership between the two nations.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today (July 5) between the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the World Ethnosports Union (WEU) to promote traditional sports and cultural cooperation.
The signing ceremony was held at the WEU headquarters in Istanbul, Türkiye, according to a message.
The agreement was signed by the Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain and World Ethnosports Union President Necmeddin Bilal Erdogan.
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Prior to the signing, they held a bilateral meeting where they discussed the importance of traditional games in enriching civilisations and cultures and affirmed mutual cooperation in promoting indigenous sports.
During the meeting, Bilal emphasised the vast potential of Bangladesh's traditional games such as kabaddi, wrestling, "bolikhela", and boat racing, expressing his keen interest in promoting these sports globally.
He also expressed interest in incorporating Bangladeshi traditional sports federations as members of the World Ethnosports Union.
Highlighting his involvement in educational initiatives in Türkiye, Erdogan proposed scholarships, exchange programmes, and subject-based competitions for Bangladeshi students.
He also expressed interest in establishing a branch of his organisation's school in Bangladesh.
Recalling his visit to Cox's Bazar with his mother, he voiced his willingness to support the organisation of traditional games in Rohingya refugee camps to help ease their hardship through engagement in sports.
Reaffirming Türkiye's enduring support for the people of Bangladesh, Erdogan commended the youth and public participants of Bangladesh's July 2024 mass uprising, noting the significance of cultural and national identity.
He said that under Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's leadership, the country is working to reclaim its cultural dignity and global presence.
In his remarks, Adviser Asif Mahmud noted that since the 2024 mass uprising, Bangladesh has been prioritising strengthening ties with its true and trusted partners, with Türkiye being a key ally.
He recalled how Türkiye has historically stood beside the people of the Bengal Delta during times of crisis.
He further stated that the uprising has heightened political consciousness among Bangladeshi youth and triggered a revival of interest in civilisational transformation, akin to Türkiye's own resurgence of its glorious heritage.
The adviser praised the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, especially for his moral stance on the ongoing genocide in Gaza and support for oppressed Muslim populations across the world.
He emphasised the need for a strong and effective international alliance to stand against such atrocities and assured Bangladesh's support and active engagement in this cause.
Asif Mahmud also sought the support of the WEU in the internationalisation of Bangladesh's traditional games — including kabaddi, dariabandha, bolikhela, wrestling, and boat racing.
Concluding the meeting, he formally invited Bilal Erdogan to visit Bangladesh for the upcoming Global Youth Summit 2025.
He expressed hope that this visit would further strengthen and accelerate the strategic partnership between the two nations in the fields of youth, sports, and broader socio-political cooperation.
