State Minister for Youth and Sports, Aminul Haque, stated that the government has initiated a plan to develop playgrounds in 4,599 unions to foster sports at the grassroots level. Relevant authorities—including district administrations, Upazila Executive Officers (UEOs), development authorities, and city corporations—have been informed of this initiative. At the union level, 3 to 8 ’bighas’ of ’khas’ (government-owned) land will be reclaimed and renovated to serve as functional playgrounds. This project is set to be implemented over the next five years, ensuring that playgrounds become accessible to the younger generation, including both young men and women.
He shared these details with journalists on Saturday (October 31) while visiting the Shaheed Abu Sayed Stadium in Rangpur. During the visit, the State Minister also distributed certificates to participants who completed a 20-day handball training program.
Speaking further with the press, the State Minister mentioned that the government has launched an initiative to modernize and renovate district-level stadiums across the country. This includes the addition of indoor facilities and swimming pools at stadiums in all eight administrative divisions. Project proposals have been drafted, and implementation is already underway; it is expected that these efforts will resolve existing infrastructural challenges.
Read nextBangladesh Suffers 8-Wicket Defeat Against West Indies in Mirpur Test Despite First-Innings LeadAddressing the ministry’s stance on corruption, he noted that several committees have been formed to investigate allegations of corruption—ranging from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to various sports federations. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is also involved in these investigations. Every sports organization and federation will be held accountable, and strict action will be taken against those found complicit in corruption.
He further announced that, starting in January next year, a comprehensive sports calendar will be introduced, featuring 15 disciplines—including football, cricket, hockey, badminton, archery, and shooting. This calendar will facilitate year-round, age-based competitions as well as events for senior-level athletes. Our goal is to establish sports as a viable profession.
The State Minister emphasized that the current government has placed the highest priority on sports since assuming office. Through this initiative, we aim to bring about changes in society and state governance. The first edition of the 'Notun Kuri Sports' (New Buds Sports) program has been successfully concluded. On November 5, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the program simultaneously across 503 upazilas via an online platform from Khulna. Furthermore, with the goal of nurturing future athletes, 40 individuals have been selected from the 306 participants of the first edition to pursue their studies and training permanently at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishthan (BKSP). We will support them there until they graduate, ensuring they develop into well-rounded, professional athletes.
Present on the occasion were Member of Parliament (reserved seat) Advocate Rejeka Sultana Fancy, Chairman of the Rangpur Development Authority Shamsuzzaman Samu, City Corporation Administrator Advocate Mahfuz-un-Nabi Chowdhury, Additional Deputy Commissioner Roksana Begum, and District Sports Officer Masud Rana, among others.
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Reported by Rangpur Bureau • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
