E-sports get official 'sport' recognition in Bangladesh
Committee formed to determine governance, policies
Electronic Sports (e-sports) has been given official recognition as a 'sport' in Bangladesh.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports has granted this recognition to e-sports in accordance with sections 2(2) and 6 of the National Sports Council Act-2018. The announcement was welcomed by the country's gaming and e-sports community.
The announcement was made in a letter signed by Faisal Raihan, senior assistant secretary, Sports Branch-1, Ministry of Youth and Sports, yesterday (14 July).
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However, even though the government has recognised e-sports, a four-member committee has been formed to determine its governance and policies. This committee will submit a report within the next 21 working days.
The committee has been convened by Md Saiful Islam, additional secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports. A representative of the rank of joint secretary of the Information and Communication Technology Department, and a professor at the Institute of Information Technology, Dhaka University will be members and the director (sports) of the National Sports Council will serve as the member secretary.
This committee will prepare a draft policy in consultation with all concerned in accordance with the guidelines of the International Olympic Committee. It'll also consider the opinions of the IT Department and related laws, rules and government regulations. If necessary, it can also take help from experts.
Experts say that recognising e-sports as a sport will provide government support to youth involved in the sector and create opportunities to participate at the international level.
