General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Army Staff and President of the Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA), on Saturday called for the widespread integration of Olympic values—Excellence, Friendship, and Respect—into all facets of society.

Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of Olympic Day-2026 in the capital, the Army Chief also strongly advocated for a healthy and active lifestyle, urging citizens to embrace regular physical exercise and sports.

The event, which commemorates the founding anniversary of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), was organized by the BOA with the comprehensive support of the Bangladesh Army.

During his address, General Waker-Uz-Zaman emphasized that the Olympic movement extends beyond athletic achievement, stating, “The Olympic movement promotes not only sporting excellence but also friendship, mutual respect and social harmony.”

He further appealed to individuals of all ages to engage in sports, noting that such participation is essential for “building a healthier and more vibrant nation.”

Held under the theme “You Can Do This, Let's Move,” the celebration saw a massive turnout of over 1,500 participants, including national athletes, coaches, organizers, Olympians and representatives from both the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the National Sports Council.

Senior military and civilian officials, students, sports enthusiasts, and media personnel also joined the festivities.

The day’s proceedings commenced at 7 am with a vibrant rally that started at the Bangladesh Army Stadium, parading through Airport Road and the Staff Road Level Crossing before returning to the stadium grounds.

In addition to the capital, similar rallies and programs were hosted across seven divisional cities nationwide.

The event at the stadium concluded with a sports display, after which the Army Chief presented certificates to the participants.

According to an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate press release, the program successfully encouraged people from all walks of life to prioritize physical activity and sporting engagement.