Bangladesh’s interim administration is facing serious accusations of financial misconduct after the Ministry of Youth and Sports published a notice for a 15-day self-defense training program that includes “weapon training.”
Critics argue that funds originally allocated for information technology training to develop young freelancers are being diverted to form an armed youth force.
The ministry’s advertisement states that the basic training course — scheduled to begin on November 22, 2025 — will cover judo, karate, taekwondo, and “weapons handling.”
In a notice published by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, it is stated that a 15-day basic training program beginning on November 22, 2025, will include judo, karate, and taekwondo alongside “weapon training.”
After the advertisement came to light, individuals associated with the information technology sector and youth development programs raised concerns. They accuse the authorities of shifting funds allocated for youth development from welfare-oriented and sustainable projects to controversial military-style training.
Huge Allocations for Youth Development and Technology
According to analysts, the former Sheikh Hasina government allocated nearly Tk. 3,000 crore to the Department of Youth Development to produce a large number of freelancers in the country’s information technology sector.
Additionally, for the 2024–25 fiscal year, a budget allocation of Tk. 2,211.95 crore was provided to cover operational and development expenditures for the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The spending plan included youth IT training, development of sports grounds at the local level, and preparation of athletes to meet international standards.
However, after the political shift following August 5, these major youth development plans taken by the previous government now remain unfinished or suspended.
Controversial Weapon Training and Allegations of Militia Formation
Raising the question of where the huge amount of funds allocated for youth development is being spent, critics allege that instead of investing in key programs such as IT training or sports infrastructure, the interim administration’s advisers are now using this budget to train youth in weapons, aiming to build a “militia force” for their own purposes.
According to these critics, at a time when investment in the information technology sector is essential to boost the economy and reduce unemployment, the Ministry of Youth and Sports is spending money on a controversial and politically motivated activity like weapons training.
