Photo: BSS

RANGPUR, Aug 27, 2026 (BSS) - Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu MP has said there is no substitute for sports to keep the young generation and children healthy and away from drugs.

"Young students must be involved in sports along with their studies to keep them away from drugs, crime and anti-social activities," he said.

He said this while speaking as the chief guest at a programme to distribute sports equipment among various educational institutions, sewing machines among women for self-employment and food items among helpless families at the Barabari Union Parishad office premises in Lalmonirhat Sadar Upazila this afternoon.

The minister said equal importance should be given to education and sports to build a healthy, talented and responsible generation.

He said a student does not become a complete person just by achieving good results.

"A student should also be educated in morality, discipline, leadership and patriotism, and sports play an important role in developing these qualities," he added.

Highlighting various government initiatives to involve the young generation in positive activities, he called for promoting participation in various sports, including football, in educational institutions.

Regarding women's empowerment, he said women should not only be supported, but also provided with opportunities for skill development and self-employment.

The minister handed over around 100 footballs to the head teachers of various educational institutions in Lalmonirhat Sadar Upazila.

He also distributed 10 sewing machines to unemployed women for self-employment and various dry food items, including rice, pulses, salt, sugar, turmeric and chili powder, among more than 400 helpless and uprooted families.

The event was presided over by Barabari Union Parishad Chairman Md Nazmul Huda Limon and attended by Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mononita Das, Union Parishad members, concerned officials, public representatives and local dignitaries.