Published: 10:31 AM, 24 August 2026
PM working to establish sports as a profession: Aminul
State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque on Saturday said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been working relentlessly to establish sports as a profession in the country.
"The sports are no longer just a means of entertainment . . . Necessary steps have already been taken to establish it as a profession," he said.
The state minister was speaking at a view-exchange meeting with sports organisers, sports personalities and distinguished citizens of Habiganj district at the District Shilpakala Academy on Saturday afternoon.
He said the prime minister himself was keeping track of the players and extending all-out support to ensure necessary facilities and opportunities for them.
Aminul said the first edition of 'Notun Kuri Sports' had already been completed, while preparations for its second edition were underway.
"Through Notun Kuri Sports, we hope not only to build a healthy nation but also to keep our children away from devices and build a drug-free society as well," he mentioned.
Aminul said the government was working to build a drug-free society and bring qualitative changes to family, society and the state through sports.
He said the prime minister had instructed that facilities in BKSP (Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan) in divisional cities be made fully self-sufficient like those in Dhaka to accelerate the expansion of sports.
"We have 4,599 unions, where we want to establish a playground in every union so that social change can be brought about through sports," he added.
Subsequently, the state minister handed over crests and gifts to five outstanding Habiganj players who secured national recognition through 'Notun Kuri Sports'.
Deputy Commissioner Dr GM Sarfaraz presided over the meeting. Habiganj-3 lawmaker and Jatiya Sangsad's Chief Whip Alhaj GK Gouse, along with sports organisers, also spoke there.
The state minister also watched the final match of the 'Shaheed Zia Memorial Football Tournament' at Habiganj Modern Stadium and handed over the trophy to the winning team. Thousands of football lovers attended the final match.
Meanwhile, Aminul Haque said the government has planned to establish a sports village with international-standard facilities in every district of the country.
As part of the plan, the government will take an initiative to construct sports villages in 10 districts in the first phase as quickly as possible during the current fiscal year, Aminul said.
In Sylhet Division, Habiganj district has been selected for establishment of a sports village in the first phase, he added.
The state minister said the people of Habiganj and Sylhet are extremely sports-loving.
The huge turnout of spectators at today's final match proved the deep love of the people of the region for sports, he added.
He expressed hope that Sylhet Division would become a model for the entire country in bringing positive change to society through sports.
Aminul said the government is placing importance on improving various infrastructure facilities, including the gallery, at Habiganj District Stadium.
As part of the plan to renovate all district stadiums and indoor stadiums across the country, an initiative will be taken to start work soon on the section of Habiganj District Stadium where there is currently no gallery, he said.
To ensure that spectators do not have to stand to watch matches and can comfortably enjoy sporting events from the gallery, the gallery will be constructed along with the development and renovation of dressing rooms and other necessary infrastructure, he added.
He said funding for this purpose has already been ensured.
An initiative will be taken to implement the work quickly in coordination with the district administration, he added.
