Social Welfare Secretary Dr Mohammad Abu Yousuf today said sports play an indispensable role in developing both physical and mental health alongside cultural recreation, adding that promoting sports among youths can help free society from social menaces like drug abuse. Photo : BSS

KHULNA, Jan 10, 2026 (BSS) - Social Welfare Secretary Dr Mohammad Abu Yousuf today said sports play an indispensable role in developing both physical and mental health alongside cultural recreation, adding that promoting sports among youths can help free society from social menaces like drug abuse.

He made the remarks while inaugurating a two-day divisional annual sports and cultural competition of residents of residential institutions under the Department of Social Services at Khulna District Stadium this morning, speaking as the chief guest.

The secretary said that out of the government's 96 social safety net programmes, 29 are directly implemented by the Department of Social Services, benefiting about 12.3 million people directly and indirectly. He noted that children eagerly wait every year to participate in the department's annual sports competitions.

Dr Yousuf also said the facilities provided for these children are still inadequate, but efforts are underway to further expand them. "We ensure education for these children. Education alone may help them survive, but it does not fulfill their emotional needs. Through today's programme, we have been able, even if a little, to bring our children beyond the four walls," he added.

Khulna Divisional Commissioner Md Mokhter Ahmed presided over the programme. 

Director General of the Department of Social Services Md Kamal UddinBishwas, Additional Divisional Commissioner Abu Sayeed Md Manjur Alam, and Deputy Director of the Local Government Division Md Ariful Islam addressed the programme as special guests.

Director of Khulna Divisional Social Services Office Anindita Roy delivered the welcome address.

Children from 15 child-care institutions of 10 districts under Khulna Division took part in the two-day annual sports and cultural competition. Children of the institutions also participated in a parade during the programme.

Later, Dr Mohammad Abu Yousuf visited Maheshwarpasha Chhoto Moni Nibash.