State Minister for Youth and Sports Md. Aminul Haque-File photo

ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY, Kushtia, May 4, 2026(BSS) - The inter-university athletic 
and basketball championship-2026 was inaugurated today at Islamic University 
(IU) in Kushtia. Minister of youth and sports of Bangladesh Aminul Haque 
inaugurated the event at the central cricket field this afternoon.

The three day long competition, from May 4 to May 6, participated by 21 
universities across the country brought a festive environment at the campus. 

Minister of Youth and Sports, Aminul Haque addressed the inauguration 
ceremony as the chief guest while Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Nakib Muhammad 
Nasrullah chaired the event. 

On the other hand, district council administrators of both Kushtia and 
Jhenaidah were present as guests of honour. Meanwhile, Pro-Vice Chancellor 
Professor Dr M Yeaqub Ali, Treasurer Professor Dr Jahangir Alam were also 
present as special guests. 

Sports minister Aminul Haque said in his speech, 'Our Honorable Prime 
Minister and his family have already earned a reputation as a sports-loving 
family. Sports is one of the key means through which we can move away from 
the political disorder and misrule that we have witnessed over the past 17 
years.'

He further said, 'Giving the highest priority to sports in Bangladesh, 
national athletes have been given professional recognition through sports 
cards. We have already issued these to 300 people. Gradually, we will bring 
500 national athletes under this sports allowance scheme. Furthermore, we 
want to build a drug-free society. We want to keep the future generation away 
from devices. And to achieve that goal, there is no alternative to sports.'

On the very first day of the event, some athletics competitions were held and 
later cultural programs were performed by local Lalon devotees and IU 
students.