A healthy, beautiful and drug-free Bangladesh can be built by engaging and organizing young people through sports, Youth and Sports State Minister Md Aminul Haque has said.

He made the remarks as a special guest at the opening ceremony of the Rangpur Division round of the National University Inter-College Sports Competition at Dinajpur Government College on Saturday (October 3).

Aminul Haque said the expansion of sports and regular practice can help engage young people in positive activities. To this end, the government is giving the highest priority to the sports sector and implementing various programmes.

He said programmes such as Family Cards, Farmer Cards, sports development, canal excavation and tree plantation are part of long-term plans. Work to implement these initiatives began seven months ago. In line with the election manifesto, the sports sector has been given special priority.

Regarding professional recognition for athletes, the state minister said sports allowances have already been provided to 300 athletes. More athletes and coaches are expected to be brought under the programme by the end of this month.

He also said the first phase of the ‘Notun Kuri Sports’ programme has been successfully completed. A total of 306 promising and talented athletes selected under the programme are currently receiving advanced training at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP).

Highlighting plans to develop modern sports infrastructure across the country, Aminul Haque said the ministry is working to establish ‘Sports Villages’ and build mini stadiums in every upazila. An initiative has also been taken to transform Dinajpur BKSP into a full-fledged and self-sufficient institution to promote sports at the grassroots level and identify new talent.

The state minister also spoke about skill development and employment opportunities for young people. He said training is currently being provided in 83 trades under the Department of Youth Development. Initiatives have also been taken to equip young people with skills in freelancing and the use of artificial intelligence (AI). In the past six months, the freelancing sector has generated Tk 34 crore in foreign currency.

Aminul Haque said nine lakh young men and women across the country will receive training through the government’s ‘EARN’ project. The project will also be fully implemented in all 10 upazilas of Dinajpur.

Calling on everyone to shun politics of vengeance and work together to build the country, he said a beautiful, healthy and drug-free Bangladesh can be achieved if people from all political and social backgrounds work together and promote a healthy culture of sports.

National University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr A S M Amanullah chaired the event. Social Welfare Minister and Women and Children Affairs Minister Professor Dr A Z M Zahid Hossain attended as the chief guest, while local lawmaker Syed Jahangir Alam was present as a special guest.