Azad Hossain :
Bangladesh is fully prepared to compete in the upcoming 23rd Commonwealth Games, scheduled to take place in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2, 2026. The Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) officially announced the final squad and overall preparations during a press conference today.
​Saiful Islam, the Treasurer of BOA, will lead the delegation as the ‘Chef de Mission’ and Team Leader. The multi-sport event will feature around 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations. The grand opening ceremony will take place on the night of July 23 at Glasgow’s famous OVO Hydro Stadium, which will also host the closing ceremony on August 2.
​Bangladesh will compete in four major disciplines: athletics, boxing, gymnastics, and swimming. The delegation consists of 15 athletes, 7 coaches and officials, the BOA Secretary General, a General Team Manager, a Team Attaché, and 3 administrative staff, making it a 25-member contingent traveling to Scotland.
​Country’s top swimmer, Samiul Islam Rafi, has been named the flag-bearer for Bangladesh during the opening ceremony’s march-past. Additionally, promising female swimmer Sonia Akhtar has been given the prestigious responsibility of carrying the traditional Queen’s Baton.
​To ensure the best performance, the athletes underwent intensive residential training camps organized jointly by the BOA and respective sports federations. The athletics camp began at the Army Stadium on June 1, while boxing and swimming camps started on May 16 at the Mohammad Ali Boxing Stadium and Syed Nazrul Islam Swimming Complex, respectively. The gymnastics camp has been running since March 1 at the National Sports Council’s old building.
​An estimated budget of BDT 3.90 crore has been prepared for the training and participation, including BDT 1.00 crore for long-term training and BDT 2.90 crore for travel and participation expenses. Although BOA is currently funding the preparations from its own funds, an official application has been submitted to the government, and the budget clearance is expected soon.
​To boost the morale of the team, Bangladesh’s State Minister for Youth and Sports has kindly consented to attend the opening ceremony in Glasgow.
​Historically, Bangladesh has enjoyed significant success in shooting at the Commonwealth Games, winning 2 golds, 4 silvers, and 2 bronzes. However, with shooting excluded from this edition, the contingent faces a tougher challenge. Nevertheless, both the BOA and the athletes remain optimistic about delivering their best.
​The Bangladesh delegation will begin departing Dhaka for Glasgow in phases starting July 19, 2026, and is scheduled to return home on July 29, 2026, following the completion of their events.
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