Zaima Rahman to Lead Bangladesh’s New ‘Sports Diplomacy’ Mission

Zaima Rahman, daughter of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is set to play a pivotal role in this new mission. The announcement was confirmed by State Minister for Youth and Sports, Aminul Haque, following the inauguration of the BSJA Media Cup Football tournament in Motijheel on Monday, May 4, 2026.

Speaking to reporters, State Minister Aminul Haque emphasized the government's focus on utilizing sports as a diplomatic tool. “We are prioritizing sports diplomacy to strengthen our global standing. Zaima Rahman’s involvement will be a tremendous source of encouragement for our sporting arena, Insha'Allah. We believe that under her leadership, the bonds of sincerity and brotherhood with various nations will be significantly enhanced,” he stated.

The primary objective of this initiative is to leverage diplomatic ties with Asian and European countries to develop Bangladesh’s sports infrastructure and address existing systemic weaknesses. To institutionalize this effort, the government has already established a dedicated "Sports Wing" within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This mission is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, acting under the direct guidance of the Prime Minister. Analysts believe that Zaima Rahman’s involvement—given her global perspective as a barrister—could provide the necessary impetus to establish Bangladesh as a strong contender in the international sports arena through effective diplomatic engagement.