The Government of Bangladesh has officially recognised esports as a legitimate sport, a move that brings the country in line with a growing number of nations embracing competitive video gaming. The Ministry of Youth and Sports made the announcement on July 13, 2025, marking a turning point for the local gaming community and laying the groundwork for esports to be integrated into the countrys sports system.
The decision was made under the National Sports Council Act, 2018, and confirmed through an official notification issued by the Ministry. Asif Mahmud, Adviser for Youth and Sports, announced the development on social media, stating, Esports has been granted official recognition as a sport by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Legal backing and recognition status
According to the notification, esports is now recognised as a sport under sections 2(2) and 6 of the National Sports Council Act. These sections empower the Ministry to define and recognise different disciplines as sports and to create the necessary frameworks for their development and regulation.
This formal recognition will allow esports to be included in national-level planning, government funding programmes, institutional infrastructure, and long-term athlete development models. It also opens doors for public sector support, training facilities, and eventual participation in multi-sport events at the national and international levels.
Formation of expert committee
The Ministry of Youth and Sports has established a special committee to support the organised development of esport. The task of creating a national esports plan for Bangladesh will fall to this committee.
Its key tasks include:
- Reviewing international frameworks, including those from the International Olympic Committee (IOC)
- Consulting with esports stakeholders, including players, organisers, and game publishers
- Creating policy guidelines for talent identification, competitions, and training programmes
- Preparing formal proposals to integrate esports into national competitions and public sports institutions
The committees report will serve as the basis for future government policies and support measures for the esports sector.
Sector response and next steps
The recognition has been widely welcomed by the local esports industry. GSTU Esports Club thanked Mahmud’s efforts in officially recognising esports as a sport in Bangladesh. “Your initiative has opened a new era for the youth and gaming community. Grateful for your vision and leadership.”
Now that formal recognition has been established, the Ministry will work with educational institutions to support grassroots esports initiatives, establish qualification structures for national representation, and identify titles and formats appropriate for competitive play under national regulations.
Global context
Esports is being recognised more and more as a competitive sport around the world. South Korea, the Philippines, and Malaysia are among the nations that have already incorporated esports into their official sports structure. Esports is being included as medal events in the Asian Games and Southeast Asian Games, and the International Olympic Committee has already started holding esports events under its Olympic Esports Series.
