Bangladesh wants primary students to learn martial arts. Classes will begin in grades 4 and 5.

Bangladesh will introduce martial arts in Classes 4 and 5 at primary schools to strengthen children’s physical and mental development and teach self-defense, a government official said Friday.

State minister for primary and mass education Bobby Hajjaj announced the decision during a black belt award ceremony at Bijoy Sarani in Dhaka.

“Sports programmes will be strengthened at the primary level, and martial arts will be introduced in Classes Four and Five to develop self-defense skills alongside the physical and mental growth of children,” Hajjaj said.

He said martial arts training would give students practical self-defense skills while helping them develop discipline, self-confidence and patience.

Hajjaj also said the training could encourage a positive mindset among children. He did not provide a timetable for introducing the program or details about how instructors would be selected and trained.