Photo: BSS

DHAKA, March 17, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque has taken a unique initiative to encourage children to attend congregational prayers at mosques during the holy month of Ramadan.

A total of 317 children from Mirpur area have been rewarded with new bicycles for offering five daily prayers in congregation throughout the month.

The bicycles were handed over to the children at a program held today at Mirpur Bangla School and College ground.

Addressing the program as the chief guest, Aminul Haque said, "The bicycle gift is not the main objective, our primary goal is to make young children accustomed to prayers. If they develop the habit of praying for the satisfaction of Allah at this age, they will not abandon prayers in the future."

He said that 317 children from six mosques across four wards in his constituency were brought under this programme. 

He also urged parents to ensure that children maintain this habit beyond Ramadan and continue it throughout the year.

Highlighting the government's development activities, the state minister said that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government has started implementing its election manifesto even before completing one month in office. 

"Initiatives such as family cards, honorarium allowances for imams and muezzins, and canal excavation programmes have already been launched," he added.

Referring to the development of the sports sector, he said that national-level athletes will be brought under a salary structure and sports allowances from March 30.

Local mosque imams, khatibs, guardians, and leaders and activists of BNP and its associate organizations were present at the prize giving ceremony. 

The state minister thanked the mosque committees and local residents for their cooperation in organizing the event.