Bangladesh and World Ethnosports Union Partner to Boost Cultural and Sports Ties

Istanbul, 4 July 2025 – In a landmark step toward preserving heritage and deepening global partnerships, the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Bangladesh and the World Ethnosports Union (WEU) [Mr. Necmeddin Bilal Erdoğan, President of the World Ethnosports Union], signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today in Istanbul, Türkiye. Both leaders held a focused bilateral meeting, exchanging visions on the role of traditional games in strengthening civilizational identity and global harmony.

The diversity and vibrancy of Bangladesh’s traditional games were praised by Mr. Erdoğan, who enjoys bolikhela, kabaddi, boat racing, and wrestling, thus expressing interest in the promotion of those on a global platform. He conveyed the integration of Bangladeshi sports federations among the WEU network by recognising the historic value and total rich potential. The signing ceremony, held at the WEU headquarters, brought together key leaders committed to enriching civilisations through sport. Mr. Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, Honourable Youth and Sports Adviser of Bangladesh. The MoU aims to promote long-term cultural cooperation.

Touching on humanitarian efforts, Mr. Erdoğan remembered his last visit to Cox’s Bazar and proposed support for initiating traditional games within the refugee camps of the Rohingyas. Believing that sports can play a vital role in resilience and preserving the dignity of the displaced groups of the locality. Thus, in the upcoming planning, the Global Youth Summit 2025 will be hosted, where young changemakers will display their ideas and mottos to re-shape the future of youth leadership and solidarity. Hence, expressing optimism towardsthis visit, for which the elevation in the Bangladesh-Türkiye cooperation will reach new heights. Mr. Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain focused on Bangladesh’s renewed focus on building alliances with nations created by the blood of its people. The adviser highlighted that the 2024 uprising has a wave of a new generation who are culturally proud and politically ready to shape the future of Bangladesh.

The MoU represents not just a formal agreement but also a symbolic stride toward the empowerment of Bangladeshi youth. Especially in youth engagement, traditional sports, and shared geopolitical values.  The youth of Bangladesh is preserving its rich cultural legacy and expanding its presence on the world stage. As the country embraces this new chapter, partnerships like this one are setting the foundation for a future where tradition and innovation walk hand in hand.