Photo: ISPR

DHAKA, June 27, 2026 (BSS) – The Chief of Army Staff and President of Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA), General Waker-Uz-Zaman, today stressed the need to spread the Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect across society.

The Army Chief urged people to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle through regular physical exercise and sports.

He made the call while inaugurating the celebrations of Olympic Day-2026 in the capital as the chief guest, according to a press release issued by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate this noon.

The Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA), with the overall support of the Bangladesh Army, organised the programme marking the founding anniversary of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Speaking at the gathering, General Waker-Uz-Zaman said the Olympic movement promotes not only sporting excellence but also friendship, mutual respect and social harmony.

He called upon people of all ages to participate in sports and physical activities to help build a healthier and more vibrant nation, the release mentioned.

Held under the theme “You Can Do This, Let's Move”, the programme aimed to encourage athletes and people from all walks of life to engage in physical exercise and sporting activities.

As part of the celebrations, a colourful rally began from the Bangladesh Army Stadium at 7:00 am and paraded through Airport Road and Staff Road Level Crossing before returning to the stadium.

Similar rallies and programmes were also held in seven divisional cities across the country on the occasion. A sports display was staged after the rally, while the Army Chief later distributed certificates among the participants. 

More than 1,500 people, including national athletes, coaches, organisers, Olympians, officials of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the National Sports Council, senior representatives of military and civilian institutions, students from various educational institutions, sports enthusiasts and media personnel, participated in the event, the release added.