Govt seeks to give sports professional form: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said on Thursday that his government aims to professionalise the sports sector.

“According to the pledges made in our manifesto during the election held a few days ago, and on behalf of our government, we want to nurture new players across various disciplines and give sports a professional structure in Bangladesh,” he said while distributing prizes at a friendly football match at the National Stadium.

He said that, alongside the iconic children’s talent hunt programme “Notun Kuri”, the government is planning to introduce another nationwide initiative titled ‘Notun Kuri Sports’ to identify emerging talent in sports.

“Therefore, alongside the ‘Notun Kuri’ programme, we have decided to introduce ‘Notun Kuri Sports’. We plan to organise inter-class sports competitions in every school across districts, upazilas and union levels,” the Prime Minister added.

The Bangladesh Football Federation organised the match to mark Independence and National Day. Earlier, the Prime Minister inaugurated the match and watched it.

He also extended greetings to all on the occasion of Independence and National Day.

Noting that the government aims to enhance Bangladesh’s performance in international sports arenas, he said efforts are underway to develop skilled athletes so the country can achieve better results in global competitions.

On the occasion of Independence Day, Tarique Rahman called upon all, particularly those directly or indirectly involved in sports, to work collectively towards the development of the sector.

He emphasised that efforts should be made to build an inclusive and progressive sports sector, beyond political differences or opinions.

“I believe that sports have the ability to foster friendship and brotherhood among people, while also bringing honour to the nation,” the Prime Minister said.

The prime minister’s daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman, was also present at the event.

Also in attendance were Minister for Forests, Environment and Climate Abdul Awal Mintoo; State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku; State Minister for Road Transport and Railways Habibur Rashid Habib; State Minister for Sports Aminul Haque; Dhaka MP Rafiqul Alam Majnu; Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibli; and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman.